Conservation needs of amphibians in China: a review

Sci China C Life Sci. 2007 Apr;50(2):265-76. doi: 10.1007/s11427-007-0021-5.

Abstract

The conservation status of all the amphibians in China is analyzed, and the country is shown to be a global priority for conservation in comparison to many other countries of the world. Three Chinese regions are particularly rich in amphibian diversity: Hengduan, Nanling, and Wuyi mountains. Salamanders are more threatened than frogs and toads. Several smaller families show a high propensity to become seriously threatened: Bombinatoridae, Cryptobranchidae, Hynobiidae and Salamandridae. Like other parts of the world, stream-breeding, high-elevation forest amphibians have a much higher likelihood of being seriously threatened. Habitat loss, pollution, and over-harvesting are the most serious threats to Chinese amphibians. Over-harvesting is a less pervasive threat than habitat loss, but it is more likely to drive a species into rapid decline. Five conservation challenges are mentioned with recommendations for the highest priority research and conservation actions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amphibians* / classification
  • Animals
  • Biodiversity
  • China
  • Conservation of Natural Resources / trends*
  • Geography
  • Ranidae / classification
  • Urodela / classification