The Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE) coordinate a pioneering project to assess the state of amphibians in Catalonia and propose measures to improve their conservation. It is an interdisciplinary study promoted and financed by the Barcelona Zoo Foundation in which, in addition to the IBE, the Natural Sciences Museum of Barcelona (MCNB), the Natural Sciences Museum of Granollers (MCNG), the Biodiversity Research Institute of the University of Barcelona (IRBio-UB), the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), the Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), the Calafell Environmental Research and Education Center (CREAC) and the Catalan Ecosystems Study and Protection Group (GEPEC-EdC).

The Barcelona Zoo Foundation will allocate a total of 90,000 euros. The project is expected to have a high impact both technologically and in the conservation of biodiversity.

 
Amphibians, a group in danger of extinction in Catalonia and around the world

Globally, according to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is estimated that more than 40% of amphibian species are in danger of extinction, and it is therefore one of the groups most threatened of all the planet's biodiversity 

The decline of amphibian populations not only has ecological implications, but also impacts on human health. This is because many of these species are early indicators of changes in ecosystems and their disappearance can have negative effects on the stability of the natural environment and water quality.

In Catalonia, the situation of amphibians is no different. Although it has a great diversity of species, many are in a worrying situation. The loss and fragmentation of natural habitat, water pollution, disease, the introduction of exotic species and climate change are some of the threats that have led to a significant decline in amphibian populations in the territory Catalan. Hence, the importance of having knowledge about these processes and developing effective conservation strategies.

The Barcelona Zoo Foundation promotes the conservation of amphibians in Catalonia

The Barcelona Zoo Foundation promotes and finances this interdisciplinary work due to the need to have a comprehensive diagnosis of the situation of amphibians, their threats and an understanding of the factors that influence their survival and reproduction. It also seeks to propose concrete and effective.

This project represents another step in the Barcelona Zoo's commitment to the conservation of amphibians with initiatives such as the reintroduction of the Montseny newt or the recovery work of the midwife toad populations, in the Serra de Tramuntana de Mallorca, among others measures to improve the situation of these species and guarantee their long-term conservation.