Massive frog die off, part two?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jim mcnamara
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion highlights the severe impact of the chytrid fungus Betrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) on frog populations, leading to the extinction of approximately 200 species and affecting 695 species overall. This pathogen's unprecedented reach has raised concerns about a newly identified pathogen, Betrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), which poses a potential threat to amphibians. Unlike Bd, there is an opportunity to contain Bsal's spread, which is crucial given Bd's global dissemination post-Korean War. Additionally, the conversation touches on environmental factors contributing to amphibian decline, such as the presence of human hormones from birth control pills in waterways, which are harmful to frog larvae. The difficulty of eradicating Bd once established is noted, as it can persist in crayfish, complicating efforts to manage its impact on amphibian populations. The overall tone reflects concern for the future of frogs, emphasizing the challenges they face in North America.
jim mcnamara
Mentor
Messages
4,789
Reaction score
3,852
This fungus, a frog pathogen, has caused the extinction of circa 200 species of frogs in the very recent past. Per the article, 695 species of frog are known to be (or were ) susceptible to infection. This is amazing for any pathogen, and until this fungus came to the fore was unheard of:
Betrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)
https://news.nationalgeographic.com...cline-frogs-chytrid-fungi-bd-animals-science/

Next round of amazing pathogens:
Betrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal)
http://science.sciencemag.org/content/360/6389/604 'The hidden biodiversity of amphibian pathogens'
Something new to worry about. We are in a position to stop the spread of the newly discovered pathogen, unlike what happened with Bd after the Korean War. Bd spread worldwide.
[aside]
Maybe they can contain Bsal successfully. Bd is also thought to be one of the main drivers the massive frog die off we have seen.This goes along with estrogen and progesterone (human hormones) derived from human birth control pills moving from people to septic systems into local groundwater, and then into ponds. These molecules are teratogens for frog larvae (tadpoles).
If has been really tough growing up as frog in North America.
[/aside - because I'm not digging up citations, this is just an aside]

Both articles are very interesting and somewhat depressing. I'm biased - I had pet frogs for years.
 
  • Like
Likes BillTre and andrewkirk
Biology news on Phys.org
Bummer!
I have also read (long time ago, no ref.) that once Bd is in an area, it is difficult or impossible to clear it, even if all the frogs are gone, because it can also live in crayfish (without hurting them).
 
By the way, for those without full access to Science, here is a open access Science mag news article on this subject that I just found.
 

Thread 'Flesh-eating New World Screwworm re-occurrence in US'

Deadly cattle screwworm parasite found in US patient. What to know. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/08/25/new-world-screwworm-human-case/85813010007/ Exclusive: U.S. confirms nation's first travel-associated human screwworm case connected to Central American outbreak https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/us-confirms-nations-first-travel-associated-human-screwworm-case-connected-2025-08-25/...
View full post »

Thread 'Chagas disease now established in US'

Chagas disease, long considered only a threat abroad, is established in California and the Southern U.S. According to articles in the Los Angeles Times, "Chagas disease, long considered only a threat abroad, is established in California and the Southern U.S.", and "Kissing bugs bring deadly disease to California". LA Times requires a subscription. Related article -...
View full post »

Thread 'I need help understanding this quote about recent Natural Selection'

I am reading Nicholas Wade's book A Troublesome Inheritance. Please let's not make this thread a critique about the merits or demerits of the book. This thread is my attempt to understanding the evidence that Natural Selection in the human genome was recent and regional. On Page 103 of A Troublesome Inheritance, Wade writes the following: "The regional nature of selection was first made evident in a genomewide scan undertaken by Jonathan Pritchard, a population geneticist at the...
View full post »

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top