Desert Rain Frog Lands on IUCN Vulnerable List as Population Seen Falling 20%
Updated
Updated · The Indian Express · Jul 17
Desert Rain Frog Lands on IUCN Vulnerable List as Population Seen Falling 20%
2 articles · Updated · The Indian Express · Jul 17
Summary
The IUCN has classified the desert rain frog as Vulnerable, putting the Namibia-South Africa dune species at increased risk of extinction in the wild.
A roughly 20% population decline is projected over the next two decades as diamond mining and proposed energy projects shrink and degrade the coastal sand dunes it depends on.
That narrow habitat leaves the frog little room to relocate, conservationists say, because it exists only along a limited strip of coastal dunes.
Scientists also warn the frog’s viral online fame could spur demand from wildlife collectors, turning its unusual look and squeaky call into another threat.
Conservation groups say restored mining sites and stronger protection for remaining dune habitat could still prevent further decline.