Fact Check: Did amphibians are more endangered vertebrate groups known in science ?

Fact Check: "Did amphibians are more endangered vertebrate groups known in science?"

What We Know

Amphibians are currently recognized as the most threatened class of vertebrates globally. According to a recent assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), approximately 40.7% of amphibian species are classified as globally threatened (Luedtke et al., 2023) [source-2]. This alarming statistic highlights the significant risk faced by amphibians compared to other vertebrate groups.

In the United States, amphibians are also experiencing serious declines. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports that 30% of the world's approximately 7,000 amphibian species are threatened with extinction (Waddle et al., 2020) [source-1]. Notably, there are 10 endangered anuran species (frogs and toads) and 15 endangered salamander species in the U.S. alone, with over 40 species listed as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [source-1].

The primary drivers of amphibian decline include habitat loss, disease (particularly chytridiomycosis caused by the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), and climate change. These factors have led to significant population declines and increased extinction risks [source-1][source-2].

Analysis

The claim that amphibians are the most endangered vertebrate group is supported by multiple credible sources. The IUCN's findings are particularly noteworthy, as they are based on systematic assessments of species extinction risk and have been widely recognized in conservation biology [source-2]. The data indicates that amphibians are more threatened than other vertebrate classes, such as mammals and birds, which have lower percentages of species at risk.

The USGS report further corroborates these findings, detailing the specific threats faced by amphibians in the U.S. and emphasizing the urgency of conservation efforts [source-1]. The mention of specific diseases and habitat destruction as contributing factors lends additional credibility to the claim, as these are well-documented issues in amphibian conservation literature.

While some sources may present a more optimistic view regarding potential recoveries in certain amphibian populations, the overarching trend remains one of decline and increased risk of extinction [source-3][source-5]. This suggests that while conservation efforts may yield positive results, they are not sufficient to counteract the widespread threats faced by amphibians.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The evidence clearly supports the claim that amphibians are the most endangered group of vertebrates known in science. With nearly 41% of species at risk globally and significant declines documented in various regions, amphibians face a precarious future that necessitates immediate and sustained conservation efforts.

Fact Check: Did amphibians are more endangered vertebrate groups known in science ?