Shocking Discovery: Deadly Amphibian Fungus Threatens Endangered Giant Chicken Frog's Survival!
The giant chicken frog, once thriving in the Caribbean, is now critically endangered as its population has plummeted by over 99% in just two decades due to a devastating amphibian fungus Urgent conservation efforts are underway to save this unique species Join the cause to help protect these incredible frogs
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At one point, the mountain chicken frog thrived in Dominica, with countless of them scattered throughout the island, even earning the reputation of being a local delicacy that allegedly tasted like chicken. However, a recent survey has revealed that a mere 21 of these frogs remain in the Caribbean nation.
According to the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the population of this species has decreased by over 99% since 2002, when it was hit by Chytridiomycosis. Chytridiomycosis is a fungal disease that affects more than 500 frog species globally.
The ZSL states that these frogs were previously found across seven Caribbean islands, but researchers now believe that Dominica is the only remaining habitat for them in the wild today.
A research team spent 26 days searching for the mountain chicken frog in Dominica. The team counted 23 frogs, but two of those were found dead in the road.
The research team from the Mountain Chicken Recovery Programme, consisting of 10 European and Caribbean conservation institutes, conducted the survey over a span of 26 nights. The main objective of the project is to restore thriving populations of the frog in Dominica and Montserrat by 2034.
During the months of July and August, the research team dedicated numerous hours to the search for the chicken frog. Out of the 23 frogs found in the survey, two were unfortunate casualties on the road, according to Andrés Valenzuela Sánchez, a wildlife health research fellow with ZSL who participated in the survey.
The collaborative international effort to survey and safeguard the mountain chicken frogs left a strong impression on Sánchez. However, the discovery of such a limited number of animals also cast a somber tone. The survey revealed that the species' situation in its natural habitat is even more dire than previously believed.
The critically endangered giant ditch frog, also known as the frog with a weight of over 2 pounds (nearly 1 kilogram) and a length of up to 8 inches, is considered one of the largest frogs globally. During the night, its powerful croaks can be heard from distances of over 200 meters (656 feet) and resonate throughout the rainforests, according to Sánchez.
An Andean frog is seen dead from Chytridiomycosis, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Bd, in the Cusco region of Peru.
Emanuele Biggi/naturepl.com
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"Now, the rainforests have become silent, devoid of their unique auditory backdrop.
"Our goal is to reintroduce this melodious symphony to our island, for the benefit of our community," expressed Jeanelle Brisbane, an ecologist from Dominica, in a news release published by ZSL. "It is heartrending to think that the future descendants might never experience the evocative soundscape that defines our island."
Due to the outbreak of the lethal disease in 2002, the frog was designated as critically endangered by the Red List, according to Sánchez. However, it has been vulnerable to threats for a longer period, particularly due to hunting by humans and other predators like cats, as well as various environmental problems. "Regrettably, we have observed the frogs venturing nearer to busy roads in their quest for water, as our rivers in Dominica have become increasingly dry due to the changing climate," added Brisbane in the statement.
According to the Smithsonians National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, chytrid disease has resulted in the extinction of 90 species in the last 50 years. Although there is currently no vaccine, there is optimism from Alyssa Wetterau Kaganer, a postdoctoral associate at the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab, who researches the disease. She was not part of the survey.
"There is a global endeavor of ground-breaking research conducted by eminent scientists to delve into various aspects of frog immunity, genetics, microbiome, and environmental remedies," Kaganer communicated through email.
A female Fender's blue butterfly. The species was reclassified from "endangered" to "threatened" by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Jeff Dillon/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Additionally, the resilience of these frogs gives hope for a promising future. Even species heavily impacted by chytrid, such as the mountain chicken frog, have individual animals that manage to survive for extended periods in environments where the fungus thrives. These surviving individuals could potentially hold the answer to effectively combatting the fungus.
The research team was disheartened by the unexpectedly low number of frogs found in Dominicait. Sánchez stated that they had anticipated finding at least 50 frogs. To address this issue, a captive breeding program involving multiple institutions, including London Zoo, a conservation zoo operated by ZSL, was implemented. Sánchez reported that the program initially included 50 frogs, which have now produced offspring.
In the course of their survey, the ZSL team collected mouth swabs from the resident frogs in Dominica. These swabs will be analyzed to determine if there is any indication of the remaining frogs developing resistance to the fungus.
Certain frog species, including the American bullfrog, have inherent resilience against the disease, according to Kaganer. The Amphibian Ark organization further explains that these species possess immune defenses that are completely tolerant to the disease. Additionally, Kaganer notes that some frogs thrive in environments where the fungus struggles to grow.
On March 28, 2023, an emerald glass frog (Espadarana prosoblepon) was spotted at the Chuchanti reserve in Darien, Panama (issued on April 5, 2023). In this reserve, there are over 40 camera traps strategically placed. Twenty of these cameras are positioned in the canopy which comprises the interconnected branches and leaves formed by the uppermost parts of neighboring trees. The remaining cameras are situated in the understory, which consists of the diverse vegetation growing in the areas closest to the forest floor. The objective behind collecting data through these camera traps is to gain insight into the dynamics of this neotropical forest.
Chucanti, a reservein the Darien of Panama with an overwhelming biodiversity - 28 Mar 2023
Bienvenido Velasco/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
A new study reveals that the global decline in wildlife is much more concerning than previously believed. According to Kaganer, the chytrid fungus is frequently transmitted through human actions, like transporting infected animals, discarding animal products or waste, or even through the soles of footwear.
According to Kaganer, there are various actions individuals can take to prevent the spread of chytrid and protect frogs. One effective measure is to clean footwear thoroughly after being outdoors, ensuring all mud is removed from boot treads before returning home. It is important to dispose of waste safely. Another important way to contribute is by financially supporting or volunteering with local conservation institutions and other organizations that prioritize biosecurity measures. These measures play a crucial role in conserving not only this frog species but also others.
