Deadly frog fungus proves it's not easy being green

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Saturday, 17 February 2007 18:17

Science - Biology

An ‘Amphibian Ark’ is being proposed to save the world’s frogs who are under attack by the chytrid fungus with huge numbers already wiped out around the globe.

The Amphibian Ark project is asking the world’s zoos, aquariums and nature parks to save at least one species of frog in an attempt to stave off the deadly effects of the ‘chytrid fungus’ which is decimating frogs globally, with frogs to be re-introduced into the ecosystem as numbers in captivity increase in the future.

First seen decades ago, and potentially having been around for centuries, the fungus has seen a resurgence which frogs have obviously overcome in the past, but are having severe difficulties doing so today.

Frogs are often seen as a great big signpost of the health of the planet, with low frog numbers indicating serious environmental damage. If frogs are wiped out, serious effects on the planet’s ecosystem are likely. Frogs also like to eat and help control bugs and insects, some of which can cause disease in humans. They are also said to hold medical secrets which can help scientists create new medicines for humans, but without frogs to study, these secrets could be lost forever.

According to The Times, “conservationists estimate that 170 species of frogs have become extinct in the last two decades and fear another 1,900 are on the way out”.

Much of this is attributed to the chytrid fungus which is on every continent except Antartica which is too cold for frogs to survive, however other environmental factors are also said to be the cause. 

Amphibian Ark expects the project will cost hundreds of millions of dollars, but believes it to be an absolutely necessary step.

As Kermit the Frog said, it’s not easy being green. Let’s hope the world’s scientists, zoos, nature parks and aquariums can work together to help save our amphibian friends.