Habitat loss, disease, invasive species, and climate change have all contributed to declines in amphibian and reptile populations in the U.S. However, limited resources for conservation are increasingly dedicated to higher-valued groups like birds, fish, and mammals. USDA and USGS scientists authored a paper examining the human value and decision-making reasons for insufficient amphibian and reptile conservation in the U.S. The authors then highlight ideas for reversing that pattern through a call to increase engagement. Outreach efforts and education to engage scientists, wildlife managers, educators, landowners, and the public can help increase conservation effectiveness, and may be the only way to turn the tide on population declines and safeguard amphibian and reptile species from extinction. 

Olson, D.H., and Pilliod, D.S., 2022, Elevating human dimensions of amphibian and reptile conservation, a USA perspective: Conservation Science and Practice, e12685, https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/70230694