A new book Continental Northeast Asian Amphibians: Origins, Behavioural Ecology, and Conservation, written by Co-Chair of IUCN-SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, Professor Amaël Borzée, is available now.

This 240-page book is the first-ever comprehensive compilation of knowledge on the amphibians of continental northeast Asia, introducing the biogeographic history, behavioural patterns, ecological requirements, and threats in the region. Delving into the details of the origin and life history of the region’s amphibian species, the volume also identifies the variables that have been instrumental to the distribution of populations and amphibian biodiversity in this region.

Some of the key highlights of the book include:

  • Taxonomic and biogeographic scope: The book extensively covers amphibians in continental northeast Asia, detailing species across various families such as Bufonidae, Hylidae, and more. This comprehensive approach makes it an important source on the region’s amphibian biodiversity.
  • Diverse origins and ecology: The text reveals the diverse origins of these amphibians, with species stemming from different geographic regions and adapting to a wide range of habitats from dense forests to arid steppes. Such diversity indicates the ecological richness of the area.
  • Conservation and threats: A significant focus is given on the behavioural ecology, threats, and conservation of these species. The book discusses how habitat modification, urban development, climate change, and other anthropogenic factors have impacted these amphibians. It suggests a dire need for conservation efforts, reflecting on how amphibians are critical indicators of environmental health.
  • Detailed species accounts: Specific species are discussed in detail, including their origin, distribution, habitat, behavioural ecology, threats, and conservation status. For instance, it examines species like Bufo gargarizans and Bufo sachalinensis, offering insights into their life cycles, breeding behaviours, and survival challenges.
  • Research and conservation implications: The book underscores the importance of continued research and conservation actions, particularly highlighting areas like the Yellow Sea Basin. It presents a call to action for protecting these species, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
  • Rich visuals and maps: The maps and photographs given in the book are highly informative making reading this book interesting. These visuals are providing a visual complement to the detailed descriptions of amphibians and their environments.
  • Current and comprehensive: The book reflects the latest research up to 2024, making it a current resource for understanding the region’s amphibian populations and their conservation needs in one of the best ways.

As well as co-chairing IUCN-SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, Dr. Amaël Borzée is a Professor in the College of Life Sciences at Nanjing Forestry University in Nanjing, China where he is leading the Laboratory of Animal Behaviour and Conservation. Prof. Amaël Borzée has been working on the amphibians of eastern Asia since 2012, receiving his PhD in Behavioural Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation from Seoul National University in the Republic of Korea.

The book is available in paperback or as an eBook, the book will be of interest to researchers in herpetology, ecology, and conservation; advanced undergraduate and graduate students in herpetology or conservation fields; and policymakers for Asiatic biodiversity conservation.