Current State of Conservation Physiology for Amphibians: Major Research Topics and Physiological Parameters

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Over the years, conservation physiologists have attempted to evaluate the threat factors affecting populations and manage ecosystems effectively by understanding their physiological responses. Amphibians are currently considered to be one of the most endangered vertebrate groups, and many researchers are contributing to their conservation efforts through physiological analysis. Our review aimed to examine current research trends in the conservation physiology of amphibians and identify areas for potential future studies. We categorized the 796 studies into 10 research topics. In each topic, strategies to achieve the goals of conservation physiology were identified. Additionally, we propose four comprehensive directions for future research to advance amphibian conservation physiology. ABSTRACT: Analysis of physiological responses can be used to assess population health, identify threat factors, and understand mechanisms of stress. In addition to this, conservation physiologists have sought to establish potential management strategies for environmental change and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts. From past to present, the field of conservation physiology is developing in an increasingly broader context. In this review, we aim to categorize the topics covered in conservation physiology research on amphibians and present the measured physiological parameters to provide directions for future research on conservation physiology. Physiological responses of amphibians to environmental stressors are the most studied topic, but conservation physiological studies on metamorphosis, habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, and conservation methods are relatively lacking. A number of physiological indices have been extracted to study amphibian conservation physiology, and the indices have varying strengths of correlation with each subject. Future research directions are suggested to develop a comprehensive monitoring method for amphibians, identify interactions among various stressors, establish physiological mechanisms for environmental factors, and quantify the effects of conservation activities on amphibian physiology.