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According to the Global Amphibian Assessment (GAA), 43% of amphibian species are declining in populations, and 32% are threatened.

Our reptiles and amphibians are disappearing

In the last decade, there's been a dramatic decline in amphibian and reptile populations in Europe. Many studies reveal that viral, fungal and fungal-like diseases are responsible for the mortality of a vast number of different species in a short period of time.

Ranavirus and Chytrid infections are responsible for mass mortalities, local declines or even extirpations of amphibians’ populations. Another emergent fungal disease like the Snake Fungal Disease (SFD) is threatening some species of reptiles in the world and at the European level.

Causes and consequences


Legal and illegal pet trade

Many of these pathogens are native to Asia, Africa and America and have been introduced into Europe through the importing of exotic species mainly for the pet trade.

Research

Poor biosafety could put amphibians and reptiles at risk. Pathogens can spread through contaminated research equipment

Tourism

Tourism also play an important role in the spread of these diseases. Many of these pathogens live in wetlands, so by visiting these places, tourists' boots may be contaminated.

One Health concept

The health of humans is also connected to the health of animals and the environment. 60% of infectious diseases in humans have been estimated to come from animals.

Where do our most threatened wildlife live?

Exotic pets may carry diseases, and these diseases can be spread accidentally (escapes) and voluntary (releases) causing a negative impact in our local wildlife.

Take a look at these interactive posters to find out what these three different scenarios hide.

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The woods
Did you know there's a connection between exotic pets and the Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans fungus that causes Chytridiomycosis in amphibians?

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The grassland
Did you know that exotic reptiles brought (illegally or legally) as pets can carry Salmonellosis and Snake fungal disease, amongst other diseases?

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The river
Did you know that contaminated research equipment can contribute to the spread of fungus like Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis?

What can we do to protect biodiversity?

Read these tips to know how we can stop the spread of these diseases.

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Threatened species in Europe

These are some of the species that are already suffering from fungal diseases
Find out more
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Exotic species and pathogens

Numerous exotic species can carry diseases. These are just some of them
Find out more

Bern Convention

The Bern Convention is the only Treaty for nature conservation in Europe. It was established by the Council of Europe in 1979 and has been signed by the European Union and 50 countries that are committed to protect European wildlife, both species and their habitats. The Convention has been dealing with herpetofauna conservation for the last 20 years, but recently started issuing recommendations regarding biosafety issues for the benefit of these species. We invite you to join the campaign, amplify its message and follow our news on social media!

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