Samenvatting
Amphibians represent one of the most threatened vertebrate classes globally, with endemic species bearing
disproportionate extinction risk due to their restricted ranges, specialised habitat requirements, and susceptibility to
emerging infectious diseases. This review synthesises current taxonomic knowledge of endemic amphibians across four
globally significant diversity hotspots -- the Western Ghats of India, the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, the mountains of the
Cameroon Highlands, and the highlands of New Guinea -- drawing on published literature, museum specimen
databases, and molecular phylogenetic studies published between 2000 and 2021. Across these four regions, 1,284
amphibian species are documented, of which 847 (66.0%) are regionally endemic. The Western Ghats contributes 187
endemic species including numerous recently described taxa in the families Nyctibatrachidae, Micrixalidae, and
Ranixalidae. The Atlantic Forest harbours the greatest absolute endemic richness (312 species), dominated by Hylidae
and Brachycephalidae. Molecular phylogenetic analyses across all four regions reveal consistent patterns of cryptic
species diversity -- with an estimated 20-35% of morphologically circumscribed species harbouring molecularly distinct
lineages warranting species status. We assess the IUCN conservation status of all documented endemic species and
identify 284 (33.5%) as Threatened. The amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and habitat loss
are identified as the dominant threat drivers. Updated taxonomic recommendations and conservation priorities are
presented for each region.