Amphibian Declines
Over ten years ago, a newly discovered fungal disease called chytridiomycosis (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) was found to be associated with amphibian mass mortality rates and population declines in Panama and Australia. Since then, the disease has been reported in North America, South America, Africa, and Europe. 
Wildlife Trust is currently testing what factors drive the disease's emergence and its virulence. We have recently provided evidence that "pathogen pollution", the introduction of non-native hosts or parasites to new locations is a major factor contributing to the spread of this disease. Dr. Peter Daszak helped first discover chytridiomycosis.
Initially, current data shows that the fungal disease varies little from continent to continent, suggesting recent spread. The bullfrog is globally traded as a food item and appears to be relatively resistant to chytridiomycosis. It is very possible that the bullfrog may serve as an efficient reservoir for the disease.
Wildlife Trust and its global partners continue to research the emergence and spread of chytridiomycosis. This research will follow the global spread and persistence of chytridiomycosis and ultimately influence the management of infected and non-infected amphibian populations through global trade.
Experts
Publications
Amphibian declines and extinctions are global and rapid: 32.5% of 5743 described species are threatened, with at least 9, and perhaps 122, becoming extinct since 1980. Species have disappeared across the entire taxonomic group and in nearly all regions of the planet.
