Co-Chair of the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group during the quadrenniums 2009-2012, 2013-2016, and 2017-2020, Phil’s work has been described as “foundational to the development of the Amphibian Specialist Group and to the broader field of amphibian conservation”, by his colleagues. 

Phil was also a member of the Conservation Planning Specialist Group, Conservation Translocation Specialist Group, and Species Monitoring Specialist Group; as well as part of an IUCN Member institution as staff of the University of Otago, where he was appointed to the role of Head of the Zoology Department, starting January 2021.

Science Advisor of the Amphibian Survival Alliance, warm person, friend, colleague and mentor, Phil Bishop will be remembered as an original titan of amphibian conservation. 

Our deepest condolences go out to Phil’s family and his many friends and colleagues; you can find a memory note here, from the Amphibian Specialist Group, also here, from the Amphibian Survival Alliance, and post personal tributes here.

“I firmly believe we need to help the young people of today realise the importance of a sustainable lifestyle for the future of the planet, the amphibians and primates (humans included).”
Professor Phillip Bishop.