The chytrid fungus is now believed to be behind a sudden decline in the common midwife toad | Bird decline, insect decline and neonicotinoids

The chytrid fungus—responsible for millions of amphibian deaths worldwide—is now believed to be behind a sudden decline in the common midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans), according to a new paper in Animal Conservation. Researchers have detected the presence of the deadly fungus in the Serra da Estrela, north-central Portugal, home to a population of the midwife toad. "Our findings point to an outbreak of [the disease] chytridiomycosis likely being responsible for the population decline and observed disappearance of this species," lead author Gonçalo M. Rosa told mongabay.com. The IUCN currently recognizes 6000+ species of amphibians. Around 41% of these are believed to be threatened with extinction. While habitat loss remains the main protagonist behind depleting amphibian numbers, its combined effect with climate change and diseases such as chytridiomycosis could spell disaster for an essential group of organisms.

English

Beleid en debat