Fungus Causes Frog Fatalities in Sierra Nevada

October 2007

The dramatic decline of the yellow-legged frogs in the Sierra Nevada Mountains has been a cause for concern for scientists from the local Universities. Up till now, it was believed that the primary cause of the deaths was an ecological imbalance created by the introduction of non-native predatory fish in the area but startling new evidence suggests otherwise.

A genetic analysis of the deadly fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) found within the bodies of the deceased amphibians has confirmed that it is the root cause of frog decimation in the area. This waterborne fungus causes chytridiomycosis, a quickly spreading disease which is fatal for the frogs.

The study, led by the University of California, suggests the fungus has been so effective in causing these widespread deaths because of the pathogen's ability to spread over long distances, and also because of its ability to endure over time and persist in the environment through sexual reproduction.

The investigators have reported that these fungi, when they reproduce sexually, can create spores that last for as long as a decade. Sexual reproduction, thus, is the primary method by which this fungus spreads. This recent discovery also helps to explain how this particular pathogen has spread all over the globe, having been found in Europe, Australia, South America and Africa. Scientists are now looking for a vaccine to the fungus in order to help the struggling frog population.

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