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A major driver of decline
Emerging infectious diseases are now a major driver of amphibian declines worldwide—and one of the most serious.
Conservation · Science · Action
Protect amphibians. Protect the balance of life.
An Asociación Herpetológica Española initiative tackling emerging infectious diseases that are reshaping ecosystems.
An open network bringing together naturalists, veterinary professionals and institutions
A leading threat to amphibians
Emerging infectious diseases.
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Pathogens on the move
Some are fungi or viruses introduced by people to regions where they were not previously present. Others are native pathogens becoming more damaging as the climate changes.
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Global spread
Globalisation is accelerating transmission. International trade and the movement of non-native species are now the main routes by which pathogens spread.
Emerging infections
Invisible pathogens. Visible consequences.
Pathogenic chytrid fungi and ranaviruses threaten entire amphibian populations and species. Our work combines research, disease surveillance and rapid field response.
- Detecting disease outbreaks and mortality events
- Developing hygiene and biosecurity protocols
- Coordinating a collaborative research network
What you can do
Three ways to help protect amphibians
Good field practice, reliable information and rapid reporting can prevent new disease outbreaks.
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Prevention
Clean and disinfect field gear
Before moving between sites, clean, disinfect and dry all field equipment to avoid carrying pathogens with you.
Early warning
Report unusual mortality
If you find dead amphibians or animals showing signs of disease, report it promptly—your information could be critical.
Citizen science
Join the monitoring network
Contribute to disease surveillance, population monitoring or technical support, wherever you are and whatever your expertise.
Amphibians in captivity
Responsible keeping is essential to preventing disease spread.
Breeders, retailers and private keepers can reduce disease risk through quarantine, strict biosecurity and pathogen screening. This section offers practical guidance on good husbandry and on preventing pathogens from spreading.
Responsible keeping
Latest from the network
Research that drives conservation action.
Research, monitoring and public engagement help us respond to the threats facing amphibians. Here are the latest updates from across the network.
A new method for controlling chytridiomycosis.
A controlled field intervention eradicated Bd from breeding sites used by the Betic midwife toad.
An ebook for understanding and prevention.
Bsal distribution and risk in Spain.
Sharp amphibian declines in Picos de Europa.
Fourteen years of monitoring show that populations respond very differently to Ranavirus and Bd.
Our network in numbers
A growing network. A stronger response.
We connect researchers with people on the ground, so we can act where amphibians need it most.
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- public authorities
- 6
- protected areas
- 36
- NGOs and businesses
- 60
- local herpetologists
Projects and donations
Choose how to support our work.
Research projects fund specific studies, but they do not cover the scientific supplies, analyses, travel and other costs that sustain the network’s conservation work.
- Sample analysis
- Fieldwork
- International network
Every contribution matters
Help us protect those who cannot ask for help.
Your support can help prevent pathogen introductions, detect outbreaks early and protect entire populations.