Scientists have discovered a new salamander species, Pachytriton yeae sp. nov., in the Huaiyu Mountains of eastern China. The species is named after Professor Changyuan Ye, who collaborated with his late partner and colleague Liang Fei for over six decades.
A study reveals that forests and rivers work together to strengthen amphibian microbiomes and protect them from a deadly fungus. The research found that disconnected habitats impair the ability to recruit defensive microbes.
New research shows that tadpoles adapt their diet in response to rising temperatures, consuming more plant material and eating overall. However, this natural strategy becomes less effective as temperatures continue to rise, with consequences for growth, development, and survival.
A study found that some toad populations recover from a deadly fungus due to the early maturation of antimicrobial peptides in their tadpole stage. This immunity allows them to survive as adults, suggesting that environmental factors such as temperature may play a role in disease progression.
New study redefines the existence of necks in fish and amphibians, identifying functionally distinct anatomical regions. The project aims to build new definitions that apply more widely across all major vertebrate groups.
Researchers found over 5 million amphibians and reptiles relocated in BC between 2019-2022, primarily for development projects. The lack of post-relocation monitoring raises concerns about the effectiveness of these efforts in supporting population persistence.
A Brazilian study analyzed data from over 5,000 territories and 1,924 anuran amphibian species to determine the biodiversity of these habitats. The research found that two main theories about island biodiversity do not explain the richness of anuran amphibians on their own, but rather are complementary factors.
The zoo's conservation efforts have contributed nearly 40,000 tadpoles to species recovery efforts since the last decade. Brookfield Zoo Chicago successfully breeds and raises 12,244 tadpoles, supporting global conservation efforts to help restore one of the world’s rarest amphibians.
Researchers found that amphibian metamorphosis entails a direct cost, including weight loss and reduced energy intake, which varies by sex. The study uses the palmate newt as a model to shed light on the evolutionary mechanisms governing the persistence or loss of metamorphosis, particularly in the context of climate change.
Researchers found that connected natural habitats help maintain beneficial skin microbes that inhibit deadly fungal pathogens in tropical amphibians. Habitat fragmentation weakens these microbial defenses, leading to increased pathogen infection levels.
A new review reveals major blind spots in Bhutan's amphibian and reptile research, with most studies focusing on species records and ecology. The study highlights the need for deeper research on genetics, disease, physiology, and long-term conservation to strengthen conservation efforts.
A team of researchers discovered that the way cells sense oxygen determines if regeneration can even begin in mammalian limbs. They found that regenerative-competent amphibians show reduced oxygen-sensing capacity, while mammals respond strongly to oxygen and switch off regenerative programs.
Researchers found that specific amino acids in the TRPM8 protein of salamanders that prefer cooler environments lead to diminished cold sensitivity. This discovery provides insight into the mechanisms behind temperature-sensing channels in tailed amphibians.
Parasites alter male calls, creating a complex pattern that can change how females evaluate potential partners. Females prefer lower-frequency calls, but also weigh the risk of parasite infection, making mate choice a nuanced decision.
Researchers found that Gracixalus weii treefrog's call is similar to a bird-like chirp of the Black-Breasted Thrush, highlighting the evolution of acoustic symbols in amphibians influenced by ecological interactions with birds. This phenomenon provides a reliable alternative to morphological or molecular diagnosis for cryptic species
A new study has found that a group of little brown frogs from Southeast Asia may be as many as 18 distinct species, rather than one. The research uses genetic sequencing to reveal complex evolutionary dynamics and challenges conservation efforts.
Recent advances in robotics, biomimetics, artificial intelligence, and their innovative integration are reviewed. The article highlights key findings in human-robot object handover, aquatic unmanned aerial vehicles, variable stiffness methods for flexible robots, and more.
A new study highlights the importance of addressing multiple threats simultaneously to reverse biodiversity loss. Climate policies and amphibians are particularly affected by combined effects of habitat loss, exploitation, disease, invasive species, pollution, and climate change.
A recent Illinois study found that nearly 8,500 online classified ads for exotic amphibians were posted between 2004 and 2024, representing 301 species from around the world. The researchers verified a dataset of these listings, revealing 44 species traded without official paperwork, sold at a 40% premium. This illicit trade poses sign...
The Japanese giant salamander's diet shifts from aquatic insects to large prey like fish and crabs as it grows, allowing it to reach the top of its ecosystem. This transition is accompanied by an increase in trophic position, enabling the species to become a superpredator.
A recent study led by researchers at State University of Campinas confirms that the Bd-Brazil fungal strain originated in Brazil and spread globally through international trade. The strain has already contributed to the decline of over 500 species of anuran amphibians, including toads and frogs.
The discovery sheds light on marine ecosystems' rapid recovery and complexification after the end-Permian mass extinction. The Spitsbergen fossil deposit reveals diverse marine reptiles, including archosauromorphs and ichthyosaurs, with some species reaching 5m in length.
A new index tool evaluates species' conservation priority based on future threats and traits, identifying reptiles as highest priority. The Proactive Conservation Index complements existing tools, offering insights into understudied species and facilitating proactive conservation strategies.
The Nationwide Herp Adoption Program provides a health-verified solution for surrendered reptiles and amphibians, offering invaluable training opportunities for future veterinarians. The program protects wild amphibians and reptiles by reducing the release of unwanted pets into the wild.
A study in Nature Communications reveals that older species typically have larger geographical ranges, except for island dwellers. On the mainland, this relationship holds true, while on islands, younger species can attain larger ranges due to unique environmental dynamics.
A new study from Goethe University confirms that climate change and extreme weather events are devastating amphibian diversity. Analysis of global weather data reveals a direct connection between increased heat waves, droughts, and declining salamander populations.
A new study shows that wildlife underpass tunnels can dramatically reduce amphibian deaths, with an 80.2% reduction in road mortality observed. The design details of the underpasses matter, and this research provides long-term evidence of their effectiveness in preserving ecosystems.
A nearly complete fossil of Westlothiana lizziae, a four-legged creature, has been dated to 346 million years ago, shedding new light on the evolution of amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals. This age places the specimens in Romer's Gap, a pivotal time period where water-dwelling fish transitioned to land animals.
Researchers found that artificial water bodies, especially historic stone tanks, support a higher diversity of species compared to natural habitats. These structures serve as stable environments for vulnerable eggs and larvae, providing a lifeline for amphibian populations amidst climate change and land-use change.
A study by Kobe University found that Japanese wasp larvae feed on a diverse range of species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. The research used DNA metabarcoding to identify the gut contents of larvae from wild and reared nests, revealing significant differences in prey composition between the two.
The discovery of a 355-million-year-old sandstone slab in Australia reveals the earliest clawed footprints ever found, challenging the long-held timeline of tetrapod evolution. The findings suggest that reptiles evolved significantly earlier than previously thought, impacting the entire evolutionary history of amniotes.
A mass mortality event occurred in Triassic Wyoming, where dozens of giant amphibians called metoposaurid temnospondyls died together on an ancient floodplain. The study provides a unique snapshot of a single population and doubles the known number of individuals of the species Buettnererpeton bakeri.
A study predicts that over 80% of amphibian species in the Upper Paraguay River Basin will lose suitable habitats by 2100. The region, which includes the Pantanal and its surroundings, is expected to experience local extinctions under both optimistic and pessimistic greenhouse gas emissions scenarios.
Larvae of wood frogs grow and mature precociously when infected with ranavirus, exhibiting accelerated growth and development. This may help tadpoles tolerate the energetic demands of infection or escape risky environments to avoid infection entirely.
The Bezos Earth Fund has launched a five-year project to conserve amphibian species in Latin America, partnering with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Amphibian Survival Alliance. The initiative aims to halt amphibian extinctions and boost captive populations by 15%.
A new study by UNSW researchers predicts the heat tolerance of 60% of the world's amphibian species, revealing that 2% are already exposed to overheating in shaded terrestrial conditions. A 4°C global temperature increase could push 7.5% of species beyond their physiological limits.
Researchers found that ancient frog relatives thrived after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction due to their generalist feeding ecology and ability to feed on a wide variety of prey. They were able to survive and even flourish in freshwater habitats, which provided them with stable food resources amidst the turbulent Triassic ecosystem.
Researchers found that larger species have higher cancer rates than smaller ones, with some species even having better natural defences against cancer. The study challenged the long-standing Peto's paradox and provided insight into how superior mechanisms of cellular defence can evolve in larger species.
Researchers at Washington State University discovered that wandering salamanders use a unique mechanism to control blood flow in their toe tips, enabling them to optimize attachment and detachment on irregular surfaces. This discovery has implications for bioinspired designed, including the development of adhesives and prosthetics.
A recent Hungarian study found that garden pond features such as age, area, aquatic vegetation, and shoreline vegetation influence the occurrence of animals like amphibians, odonates, and birds. The study highlights the importance of pond management practices to support biodiversity in urban areas.
Researchers at ISTA and Columbia University developed a technique using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to track a frog's nervous system throughout its metamorphosis, shedding light on the neural circuit and behavior changes during this transition. The breakthrough can help usher amphibian neurobiology into a new era.
A team of researchers discovered fossil amphibians preserved in cylindrical burrows in Wyoming, providing insights into their adaptation to extreme seasonal conditions. The ancient creatures, about a foot long, had underdeveloped arms and likely used their heads to dig burrows during the dry season.
A Kennesaw State University researcher has received a National Science Foundation grant to study the evolution of salamanders' behavioral habits in urban streams. The study aims to broaden research participation at minority-serving universities and will provide undergraduate students with hands-on experience conducting field research.
New information and guidance on monitoring and managing ranaviruses are provided in the second edition of Ranaviruses: Emerging Pathogens of Ectothermic Vertebrates. Ranavirus infections have been confirmed in over 177 species, causing mass die-offs and affecting biodiversity.
A Simon Fraser University study ranks Canadian terrestrial vertebrates by their level of evolutionary distinctness, finding that amphibians and reptiles are the most distinct species. The spiny softshell turtle is the most evolutionarily distinct terrestrial animal in Canada.
The study confirms Mantella cowanii's presence at historic localities and estimates its population size and survival rates, painting a concerning picture. Population sizes range from 13 to 137 adults, with some populations potentially extirpated.
A recent study reveals tarantulas have mutually beneficial relationships with various species, including amphibians and army ants. The spiders' dense hair may serve as a defense mechanism against these predators. Tarantulas also employ unique escape strategies and potentially utilize chemical defenses to deter attacks.
Researchers found that green and golden bell frogs can clear the infection when exposed to warmer temperatures in artificial 'frog saunas.' The study suggests that warm-preferring species may have an advantage over cold-preferring species, offering a potential solution for conservation efforts.
A new study uses machine learning to analyze the genetic diversity of two amphibian species, finding that different processes shaped their evolution. The research suggests that population demographic events and contemporary landscape factors played a significant role in shaping the genetic variation of these species.
A study using crowd-sourced data from iNaturalist found that slugs and snails are more common in urban areas than other native species. In contrast, butterflies and moths were the least tolerant of urban environments. The analysis provides valuable insights for city planners to increase urban biodiversity.
The North American Bsal Task Force has helped keep the novel pathogen at bay by developing diagnostic techniques, a rapid response template, and a surveillance program. Thirty-five of 80 North American amphibians can be infected with Bsal, causing lethal skin disease in susceptible species.
Researchers recorded the first documented case of an amphibian using ultrasound for self-defense against predators. The frog's distress call has a frequency range of 7 kHz to 44 kHz, inaudible to humans. This behavior is likely used to scare away potential predators, such as bats and rodents.
Researchers have uncovered a 270-million-year-old ancient amphibian ancestor in the Smithsonian's collection, naming it Kermitops gratus in honor of Kermit the Frog. The fossilized skull possesses unique features that shed light on the origin of living frogs and other amphibians.
A groundbreaking study has uncovered a wealth of previously undocumented biodiversity in southern Africa's South East Africa Montane Archipelago. The research documents over 200 endemic species, including plants, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and freshwater crabs.
A study of 151 popular dishes found that those made with beef, chicken, legumes, and rice have a significant impact on biodiversity. Dishes from Brazil and India were found to have large biodiversity footprints due to the conversion of natural habitats to agricultural land.
Researchers found that ancient retroviruses are essential for myelin production in mammals, amphibians, and fish. The gene sequence RetroMyelin is likely a result of ancient viral infection, and its presence is necessary for myelination to occur.
A team of researchers has found that homosporous lycophytes have maintained a consistent genetic structure for over 350 million years. This unusual phenomenon reveals important aspects of plant evolution and genetics, providing a unique window into the past.
A new study finds that conserving about half of global land area could maintain nearly all of nature's contributions to people and still meet biodiversity targets for tens of thousands of species. However, only 18% of priority areas are currently protected.
Researchers found a new species of fanged frog on Sulawesi Island, with males guarding eggs on leaves to keep them moist. The tiny frogs weigh about the same as a dime and have barely visible fangs, challenging previous assumptions about their reproductive behavior.
Researchers analyzed Aqp10s in eight bony vertebrate species to understand the evolutionary timeline of diminished boric acid and urea transportation. The study found that Aqp10.2 in ray-finned fishes restricts urea and boric acid passage, suggesting a loss of solute transport through evolution.