Abstract: Global urbanization is accelerating the losses of amphibian biodiversity. Based on systematic field surveys at 52 sites in Shanghai (2019-2021), historical literature (1980-2025), and monitoring data (1997-2017), we analyzed the dynamics of amphibian communities in Shanghai. The results showed that the number of species plummeted from 14 in the 1980s to only 6, with the complete disappearance of aquatic-running water type and arboreal type. There was significant divergence in population dynamics, in that the distribution and population density of Microhyla fissipes continuously increased from being “relatively scarce” during 1997-2000 to reaching 27.88 ind·hm^-2 in 2020. Fejervarya multistriata dominated farmland habitats (accounting for 46.7%), with a density as high as 185.90 ind·hm^-2. Pelophylax plancyi declined from a dominant species to a common species, with its overall proportion decreasing from 39.80% in 2013-2017 to 19.37% in 2021. The standard deviation of densities surged for all species, highlighting the increased spatial heterogeneity of populations driven by habitat fragmentation. “Urban adapters” that rely on temporary water bodies (e.g., F. multistriata, M. fissipes) expanded due to broad-spectrum diets and rapid reproduction, whereas “urban avoiders” requiring stable water bodies (e.g., P. plancyi) declined due to water body artificialization and intensified disturbance.

Key words: amphibian, biodiversity, community structure, population density