Amphibians are vital members of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as both predators of insect pests and food sources for larger wildlife. Amphibians are also relatively sensitive to environmental changes like water contamination, drought, or invasive species, making them early indicators for researchers and resource managers on issues with land health. Unfortunately, amphibian populations are in decline worldwide, and resource managers responsible for protecting and restoring populations need scientific information to develop effective conservation strategies.

For almost 30 years, the USGS Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) has studied the status and trends of amphibians on federal lands, and provided research results that have helped to identify causes of  amphibian declines and assist managers in determining conservation actions. For example, ARMI has assessed methods such as translocation, and facilitated structured decision making to help partners identify and understand risks and alternative management actions. Disease is one cause of amphibian decline and ARMI has led the field in information about the effects of  the amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) that has guided management and subsequent research. ARMI also provided the first nation-wide assessment of habitats for Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, another chytrid fungi wreaking havoc on salamanders in Europe. This is essential information because the United States has the highest diversity of salamanders in the world. 

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At FORT, researchers work closely with managers in the Rocky Mountain region to provide relevant science to management partners. In the past year, FORT scientists produced a decision framework to assist resource managers in predicting drought-related impacts on amphibian occupancy. They also published a paper forecasting amphibian presence in Rocky Mountain National Park and identifying likely mechanisms behind observed declines. This information is unique and is being used to identify locations and target populations as donors or recipients for animal translocation efforts by state and federal agencies in response to their respective mandates (for example, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Boreal Toad Conservation Plan). The identification of likely mechanisms behind changes in amphibian occupancy provides managers an opportunity to efficiently target causes of decline, protecting species before they are endangered thereby avoiding listing and the associated costs.