Applications Open for Amphibian Conservation Fund

The Amphibian Conservation Fund provides grants of up to €5,000 to support projects that conserve threatened amphibian species worldwide. The programme funds research, habitat restoration, conservation breeding, education, capacity building, and other initiatives that deliver measurable conservation outcomes for species at risk.

Program Overview: Funding for Global Amphibian Conservation

The Amphibian Conservation Fund supports projects that contribute directly or indirectly to the conservation of threatened amphibian species across the globe.

Established in response to the worldwide decline of amphibian populations, the fund is supported by zoo associations, zoos, and private holder associations in the German-speaking region. The programme aims to finance practical conservation initiatives that produce measurable and lasting benefits for amphibian species and their habitats.

Key Objectives of the Fund

• Conserve threatened amphibian species
• Support science-based conservation projects
• Restore and protect amphibian habitats
• Strengthen conservation breeding and reintroduction programmes
• Build local conservation capacity
• Promote education and public awareness
• Encourage scientific research with direct conservation applications
• Improve long-term monitoring and evaluation of conservation efforts

Priority Focus Areas

Amphibian Conservation

• Protection of threatened amphibian species
• Species recovery programmes
• Population monitoring
• Conservation action planning

Scientific Research

• Research with direct conservation relevance
• Field surveys
• Species assessments
• Ecological studies
• Monitoring and evaluation

Habitat Conservation

• Habitat restoration
• Habitat protection
• Ecosystem management
• Conservation management planning

Conservation Breeding

• Ex situ conservation
• Conservation breeding programmes
• Reintroduction initiatives
• Species recovery efforts

Capacity Building and Education

• Conservation training
• Local capacity development
• Public awareness campaigns
• Environmental education
• Community engagement

Funding Information

Grant Amount

• Up to €5,000 per project

Partial Funding

• Partial funding requests are also accepted.

Eligible Project Costs

Funding may be used for:

• Equipment
• Transportation
• Staff costs
• Field implementation expenses
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Other project implementation costs directly related to conservation

Core costs such as personnel, office expenses, and overheads should remain proportionate to the overall project budget.

Species Priorities

The programme primarily supports amphibian species classified on the IUCN Red List as:

• Critically Endangered (CR)
• Endangered (EN)
• Vulnerable (VU)

Projects involving Data Deficient (DD) or Not Evaluated (NE) species may also be considered when surveys are needed to determine conservation status or when significant conservation concerns exist.

The programme follows internationally recognized conservation standards developed by the IUCN and the Species Survival Commission (SSC).

Who is Eligible?

The fund supports conservation projects that:

• Directly or indirectly benefit threatened amphibian species
• Demonstrate measurable conservation impact
• Follow recognized conservation guidelines
• Include practical conservation actions or applied research
• Present realistic budgets and implementation plans

Ineligible Projects

The programme does not support:

• Projects where the requested funding would have only a minor or insignificant contribution to conservation outcomes
• Projects located in:
  • United States
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • Australia
• Projects likely to negatively affect local or Indigenous communities

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Confirm Project Eligibility

Ensure your project focuses on threatened amphibian conservation and aligns with the programme objectives.

Step 2: Develop a Conservation Plan

Prepare a proposal describing:

• Conservation objectives
• Target species
• Project activities
• Expected outcomes
• Monitoring approach
• Long-term conservation benefits

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Develop a realistic budget showing eligible implementation costs and ensuring overhead expenses remain proportionate.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Complete the application with all required project information and supporting documentation.

Step 5: Project Assessment

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Conservation significance
• Scientific relevance
• Feasibility
• Expected impact
• Cost-effectiveness
• Alignment with programme priorities

Step 6: Project Implementation

Successful applicants implement approved conservation activities and monitor project outcomes.

Why This Fund Matters

The Amphibian Conservation Fund helps:

• Protect highly threatened amphibian species
• Prevent species extinction
• Restore critical habitats
• Strengthen local conservation capacity
• Support evidence-based conservation research
• Increase public awareness of amphibian conservation
• Promote sustainable biodiversity conservation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects without clear conservation outcomes
• Failing to demonstrate direct benefits for threatened amphibians
• Requesting disproportionate administrative or overhead costs
• Providing weak monitoring and evaluation plans
• Applying for projects located in ineligible countries
• Proposing activities with limited conservation relevance
• Not aligning the project with IUCN conservation priorities

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly identify the target amphibian species
• Demonstrate measurable conservation impact
• Explain how the project addresses existing conservation threats
• Include strong monitoring and evaluation methods
• Present a realistic and cost-effective budget
• Highlight partnerships and local community involvement where appropriate
• Show alignment with internationally recognized conservation guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Amphibian Conservation Fund?

The Amphibian Conservation Fund provides grants for projects that conserve threatened amphibian species through research, habitat protection, conservation breeding, education, and capacity building.

2. How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to €5,000, and partial funding is also available.

3. Which species are prioritized?

Priority is given to amphibian species listed by the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable. Projects involving Data Deficient or Not Evaluated species may also be considered.

4. What activities are eligible for funding?

Eligible activities include habitat restoration, scientific research, conservation breeding, species reintroduction, education, training, monitoring, and direct conservation actions.

5. Which project costs can be funded?

Funding may cover equipment, transportation, staff costs, monitoring, and other implementation expenses directly related to the conservation project.

6. Which projects are not eligible?

Projects located in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia, projects with insignificant conservation impact, and projects that may negatively affect local or Indigenous communities are not eligible.

7. Why is this fund important?

The fund supports practical conservation actions that help prevent amphibian declines, protect biodiversity, strengthen local conservation capacity, and improve long-term survival prospects for threatened amphibian species worldwide.

Conclusion

The Amphibian Conservation Fund provides targeted financial support for projects that protect threatened amphibian species through science-based conservation, habitat restoration, education, and capacity building. By investing in practical and measurable conservation initiatives, the programme contributes to safeguarding global amphibian diversity and strengthening long-term species recovery efforts.