A deadly frog fungus has devastated amphibian populations across every continent, but new studies show that it doesn’t exist at all in New Guinea.
This short article could be used alongside Biological and Earth and Space Sciences for years 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Word Count: 394
Scientists are closing in on what has been described as the world’s most destructive pathogen – the chytrid fungus, which is devastating amphibian populations across the globe.
In May 2018, results of genetic analysis suggested that the deadly frog fungus may have originated in Korea and spread through the international pet trade.
Now field studies by another international team, including researchers from Australia, have revealed that the fungus doesn’t exist at all in New Guinea, which is home to 6 per cent of all known frog species.
That’s surprising, given that the world’s largest tropical island should be an ideal environment for supporting it.
Spotting a conservation disaster before it happens
It’s also a great opportunity, the researchers suggest.
“You don’t often spot a conservation disaster before it happens and get the chance to stop it,” says Deborah Bower from Australia’s University of New England. “We know what needs to be done.”
Thirty experts from Australia, the US, China, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have developed a five-step plan to try to keep the fungus out, or to fight it if it does arrive. Details are published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment.
Frog decline could have huge impacts across the ecosystem
Also known as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), chytrid fungus is reported to have destroyed more than 90 species of frog and caused declines in almost 500 more. It is now present on every continent.
The researchers estimate that around 100 species would be in danger if Bd reaches New Guinea. Their decline could have huge impacts across the ecosystem, because they are predators of insects and other small creatures. They are also prey for larger animals.
“A lot of New Guinea’s frogs are closely related to Australian species that have been devastated by chytrid, so we expect they would be just as vulnerable,” says Simon Clulow, from Australia’s Macquarie University.
“Other New Guinea frog species are unusual because they hatch from eggs as fully formed frogs, rather than going through a tadpole stage, and we don’t know how chytrid will affect them.”
Clulow and colleagues are working with zoos, universities and the PNG Government to keep captive frogs and store their sperm and eggs to preserve genetic diversity.
The program also will build local capacity in science, and disease surveillance and diagnosis that will have applications for animal and public health.
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