Abstract

Simple Summary In this study, we focus on the evaluation of the conservation priority of amphibian species in Chile. We emphasize the importance of establishing standardized criteria to evaluate and classify this priority, considering factors such as extinction risk, geographic distribution, and ecological importance. We establish priority categories for species, allowing us to identify those that require immediate attention in terms of conservation. Six species with a high priority, eight with a medium priority, twenty-two with a low priority, and twenty-two with no priority were identified. We emphasize the relevance of the Telmatobiidae and Alsodidae families as conservation priorities, highlighting the need to focus our conservation efforts on these amphibian families in Chile. This approach provides a solid basis for informed decision making in the allocation of limited resources for biodiversity conservation.Abstract Resources are limited in global biodiversity conservation efforts, which emphasizes the significance of setting conservation priorities. Using standardized criteria, we evaluated 58 amphibian species in Chile to determine their conservation priority (CP). Species with insufficient historical data had their values marked as missing. With a median value of p = 1.67, the results demonstrated CP values ranging from p = 0.48 to p = 3.0, classifying species into priority and non-priority groups. Four levels were established for the priority categories: no priority, low priority, medium priority, and high priority. Additionally, the Telmatobiidae and Alsodidae families were identified as two more priority families. Notably, the species with the highest priority were found to be T. halli, T. fronteriensis, T. philippii, T. chusmisensis, A. pehuenche, and Alsodes tumultuosus, where T. philippii and T. fronteriensis have equal priority for conservation at the national level according to the conservation priority analysis. Eight priority families-the Alsodidae, Batrachylidae, Bufonidae, Ceratophryidae, Leptodactylidae, Rhinodermatidae, and Telmatobiidae-were determined, and 14 species-or 24% of the species examined-need further study. Based on the conservation priority analysis, the species T. fronteriensis and T. philippii share the highest priority for conservation at the national level (p = 2.50). With 70% of the amphibians under study being threatened mainly by habitat loss, pollution, and emerging diseases, the creation of conservation categories made the threat assessment process easier. Due to a lack of information on geographic distribution and abundance, quantitatively classifying amphibians in Chile remains difficult. The analysis of conservation priorities and potential extinction threats informs appropriate management strategies.