Of introduced pathogen is decimating frogs and salamanders : fungal disease eradicates 90 amphibian species

A particularly aggressive fungal disease has decimated within 50 years, the stocks of more than 500 amphibian species around the globe. In 90 cases the species are already extinct in the wild, write researchers in a comprehensive investigation to the disease Chytridiomycosis in the journal "Science". Compiled by a Team led by Ben Scheele from the Australian National University in Canberra (Australia) has the data.

"The disease is caused by a chytrid fungus, which probably comes from Asia, where local amphibians appear to be resistant to the disease," Scheele cited in a communication from his University. Of the fungus of the frog, Duellmanohyla soralia, which is found in Honduras is affected, for example. Scheele makes the people for the spread of the fungus responsible: "globalization and the trade in wild animals are the main causes of this global pandemic and to enable the further spread of diseases."

especially species in Australia and Central and South America affected

From the Red lists of the literature and discussions with amphibian experts from around the world, the researchers have created an Overview of the effects of Chytridiomycosis. The disease is caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a fungus that belongs to fungi of a group of otherwise harmless soil and Water. In one case, the fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is the causative agent is a fungus of the same genus (Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans), which was only discovered in 2013.

from the disease Of Anurans and tail of amphibians in Central and South America and Australia are particularly affected. In the other parts of the world, the fungus is present, but only a few of the types of the disease.

fungal infection complicates the breathing through the skin

Overall, Chytridiomycosis is seen at 6.5 per cent of the scientifically described species of amphibians. From their data, the scientists have taken some risks: Population declines in species that have a large body, the life in constantly moist areas and are closely associated with aquatic habitats are connected.

The danger of the fungus has to do with several skills: He can infest many different types and uses types that are not by him ill, as a space of Survival. It can also be due to water transfer. The fungus attacks the skin of the animals, which is problematic for living organisms, in which the cutaneous respiration plays a very important role. Some species appear to develop resistance against the disease.

Endangered amphibians, The hardships of frog, newt and toad

In a commentary, also in Science, advocate Dan Greenberg and Wendy Palen of Simon Fraser University in Burnaby (Canada) to ensure that the findings should have consequences from the study: "It is extremely important that these data for proactive Management, which takes account of multiple threats." The loss of habitats and climate change were the main threats to thousands of species. You recommend to protect habitats, to restrict the Collecting of wild animals and trade of animals to contain. (dpa)