An international study has determined that a fungal disease – called chytridiomycosis – has caused dramatic population declines in more than 500 amphibian species – mostly frogs, but also toads and salamanders – including 90 extinctions.
About:
Chytridiomycosis is a deadly contagious disease affecting amphibians.
Cause: Chytridiomycosis is caused by a fungus—Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.
Impact on amphibians: It is caused by a fungus that attacks the skin of frogs, toads and other amphibians. As the creatures use their skin to breathe and regulate their bodies’ water levels, the damage caused by the disease eventually leads to heart failure and death.
Recent announcement: A prominent US biologist, disclosed at the World Organisation for Animal Health Aquatic Conference in Santiago, Chile that Chytridiomycosis has descended into a global pandemic that has already wiped out 90 species. He described it as “the first global wild disease issue.”
Regions affected: Currently, the disease is most widespread in Latin America and Australia, with trade with Asia—where the fungus originated—blamed for the spread.
Dear Student,
You have still not entered your mailing address. Please enter the address where all the study materials will be sent to you. (If applicable).
