Although dramatic amphibian population declines have been reported worldwid
e, our understanding of the extent of the declines in Latin America, where
amphibian diversity is high, is limited to a few well-documented studies. T
o better understand the geographic extent of declines, their possible cause
s, and the measures needed to improve Latin American scientists' ability to
research the phenomenon and make effective management recommendations, we
convened three regional workshops with 88 Latin American herpetologists and
conservationists. Population declines are widespread in Latin America. At
least 13 countries have experienced declines, and in 40 cases species are n
ow thought to be extinct or extirpated in a country where they once occurre
d. Declines or extinctions have affected 30 genera and nine families of amp
hibians. Most declines have occurred in remote highlands, above 500 m in el
evation in Central America and above 1000 m In the Andes. Most documented d
eclines occurred in the 1980s. Of the possible causes studied to date, clim
ate change appears to be important at one site and chytrid fungal disease h
as been identified at sites in three countries. Although many monitoring st
udies are currently underway in a variety of habitats, most studies are rec
ent and of short duration. In a signed resolution, workshop participants ca
lled for greater collaboration and communication among scientists working i
n Latin America to understand the geographic extent of population declines
and the distribution of possible causal factors. In situ conservation is im
portant to protect habitats, but captive-rearing programs for species subje
ct to imminent extinction are also needed. Better understanding of the taxo
nomy and natural history of amphibians and more funding for research and mo
nitoring are critical to developing a scientific basis for management actio
n to arrest and reverse population declines.