The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has launched a major conservation program that is focused on drawing attention to the plight of amphibians. EDGE (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered) has at its core the aim of identifying the planets most endangered species based on phylogenetic, as well as more conventional, conservation criteria. EDGE species are in cases the last surviving members of groups that have had long evolutionary histories, yet they 'are unfamiliar to both conservationists and the public, and are frequently overlooked by current conservation initiatives'. EDGE Amphibians has identified a list of Top 100 endangered species, for which extinction would represent a disproportionate loss of the worlds amphibian biodiversity. And, surprise surprise, a number of these species are at risk from chytridiomycosis. Infection by Bd is implicitly recognised in the EDGE site as a major driver of declines, and EDGE provide information on the major amphibian diseases in the Conservation section of their website. Well done EDGE and good luck!
Following is a short movie where The EDGE's own Helen Meredith explains more about EDGE Amphibians.
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