Green and golden bell frogs used to be a common sight in Sydney, Australia, but their population has been declining rapidly in recent years. One of the major threats to these frogs is chytridiomycosis, a deadly fungal disease caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). However, a recent study led by biologist Anthony Waddle from Macquarie University in Sydney has found a simple yet effective solution to help these frogs recover from chytrid infections and develop immunity.
The study focused on the use of low-tech frog ‘saunas’ to provide infected green and golden bell frogs with a warm environment to recover. Bd, the fungus responsible for chytrid, stops growing at around 82 degrees Fahrenheit and dies at 86 F. By exposing infected frogs to temperatures around 84 F, the researchers found that the frogs were able to clear chytrid infections and develop immunity to subsequent exposures.
The experiment involved setting up artificial ‘hotspot shelters’ made from brick and plastic tarp in semi-natural mesocosms. The frogs exposed to warmer shelters had significantly lower infection intensity compared to those in shaded greenhouses. The results were clear – frogs that had recovered from chytrid infections fared better against new infections.
The beauty of this experiment lies in its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. By providing artificial thermal refugia to amphibians, conservationists can help them fight chytrid infections without resorting to drastic measures like removing vegetation or heating water. The basic brick and tarp greenhouses cost about $50 to make and are unlikely to have negative impacts on other organisms sharing the ecosystem with frogs.
While frog saunas offer hope for green and golden bell frogs, there are limitations to consider. The concept may not be effective for species in significantly cooler environments or fully aquatic salamanders. Additionally, the study only tested the method on one species, so its applicability to other amphibians with different temperature preferences and tolerances remains to be seen.
Despite these limitations, the use of frog saunas represents a bold and proactive approach to conservation. By providing a warm and safe environment for recovering from chytrid infections, we may be able to ensure the persistence of threatened amphibian species like the green and golden bell frog. The next step is to monitor the long-term effects of frog saunas and explore their potential benefits for other species with similar thermal biology. It’s an innovative solution in the face of multiple threats to amphibians, offering hope for the future of these vulnerable creatures.
