Database Recommendation: Global Amphibian Assessment (GAA)

The Global Amphibian Assessment (GAA) is a comprehensive database of the nearly 6,000 known amphibian species, along with their conservation status. It is searchable by common or scientific species name; taxonomic tree; country, region, or habitat; threatened status on the IUCN (World Conservation Union) Red List; or type of threat, such as habitat loss or disease. Combinations of these criteria can also be searched.

The data is compiled by scientists from the World Conservation Union and other conservation agencies, with contributions from over 600 specialists worldwide.

The database's release in 2004 marked the first complete assessment of the coonservation status of amphibian species. One of the assessment's key findings is that 32 percent of amphibian species are currently threatened with extinction - a much higher percentage than birds or mammals.

GAA's search interface is easy to use. Search tips and help links are prominent and clear. The search screen refers users to the Amphibian Species of the World Online Database for detailed taxonomy information. The search results for a particular species include a precise map of the geographic range; comments on habitat, threats, and conservation efforts; and a bibliography.

The site links to Google Images for finding photographs and to Amphibia Web for accounts of life history and other aspects of the species. A glossary spells out the two-letter country abbreviations used in describing species ranges.