The Southeast England regional meeting of the Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the United Kingdom (ARGUK) held at Marwell Wildlife, Hampshire, on Saturday 17 November 2012 was a great success.

Work by Russia researcher Andrey Reshetnikov has shown that an invasive fish - the rotan, Perccottus glenii - can severely affect European amphibian populations. Rotan effectively deplete amphibian larvae in their breeding ponds, except for the noxious common toad (Bufo bufo).

Australian researchers have shown for the first time that the advanced stages of chytridiomicosis in amphibians can be completely cured using fungicide and electrolyte therapy.

IEEM - the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management - has announced that it is on track to gain the royal seal of approval. The Institute has applied for Royal Charter status which would improve its professional standing, and add weight to the credentials of its members.

The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) has announced a six-year contract to enhance biological recording in the UK.