It ain’t easy… by Steven Karsten

Here is an excellent update about the fungus that has been devastating frog populations since long before I shared this photo & news of chytridiomycosis back in 2011! Earth.com reports that on a new way to save frogs in Michigan & worldwide from the chytrid fungal infection. The fungus driven 90 frog species to extinction or presumed extinction in the wild and reduced the number of another 124 species by over 90%. Dr. Anthony Waddle of Macquarie University‘s Applied BioSciences (Australia) explains:

…“In the 25 years since chytrid was identified as a major cause of the global collapse of amphibian populations, our results are the first to provide a simple, inexpensive and widely applicable strategy to buffer frogs against this disease,” said Dr. Waddle.

The researchers developed artificial ‘hotspot’ shelters using readily available materials like bricks and PVC greenhouses. These structures create warm environments where frogs can raise their body temperature to levels that are uncomfortable for the chytrid fungus.

“In these simple little hotspots, frogs can go and heat up their bodies to a temperature that destroys the infections,” explained Dr. Waddle. It’s like a natural antibiotic treatment, but instead of popping pills, the frogs just need to bask in their personal saunas.

The results were remarkable. When frogs shifted to these hotspot shelters, chytrid infections were reduced significantly. This simple intervention could have far-reaching benefits for amphibian conservation efforts worldwide.

Lots more at Earth.com, and since Michigan’s 13 species of frogs & toads are not immune, fingers (and flippers) crossed that this works!!

Though Steven titled this It ain’t easy… he wrote actually, on this day, it seemed pretty easy being green. This guy was eating fly after fly as I snapped away. Must’ve had 5-6 flies in about as many minutes. He looked like lack of food was not an issue.

See more of his photos on Flickr & more frogs on Michigan in Pictures!