Frogs fighting a deadly fungal infection could get a boost from tiny brick saunas. By spending time in a sun-warmed shelter, green and golden bell frogs infected with chytrid warmed up enough to fight off the fungal pathogen, researchers report. This chytrid fungus has contributed to population declines in at least 500 amphibian species, including the green and golden bell frog, which has disappeared from 90 percent of its original Australian habitat.
The fungus attacks an amphibian’s skin, blocking electrolytes and fluids from flowing into the body, eventually causing heart failure. Chytrid thrives at relatively cool temperatures and isn’t viable above 30° Celsius. In winter, when temperatures drop, infection rates spike. To test whether warm hideouts could help frogs fight the fungus, conservation biologist Anthony Waddle and colleagues set up outdoor habitats with shelters made of black masonry bricks inside little greenhouses.
All the frogs readily made themselves at home in the saunas and those in warmer shelters had milder infections throughout the study period. Even infected frogs had a higher survival rate when provided with access to these warm shelters. After clearing their infections, frogs were less susceptible to future bouts of the disease. This research provides hope for hard-hit populations like the green and golden bell frogs to develop resistance to chytrid.
The shelters are relatively inexpensive and easy to build, so frog enthusiasts could consider setting them up in their own gardens to help struggling frog populations. However, not every species will benefit from these warm hideouts. Some chytrid-affected species that prefer cooler environments might not find these shelters suitable. It’s essential to consider the specific needs of each species before implementing such solutions.
While this study is not a one-size-fits-all solution to the chytrid problem, it does offer a glimmer of hope for amphibian populations facing this deadly fungal infection. By providing warm shelters to infected frogs, researchers are exploring innovative ways to help these creatures fight off chytrid and potentially increase their population numbers in the future.
