In an unusual yet promising approach to amphibian conservation, a unique Australian sauna is offering hope to frogs endangered by a deadly fungus. This modest greenhouse, consisting of black-painted bricks heated by the sun, provides a sanctuary for frogs, shielding them from the lethal chytrid fungus that threatens their survival.
Anthony Waddle, a biologist at Macquarie University, demonstrates the efficacy of the sauna by holding a vibrant green and gold frog, its colors intensifying in the warmth. “Chytrid is the worst pathogen ever,” Waddle told AFP. The fungus, which thrives in water, invades frogs’ skin, causing severe infections that can lead to death.
Globally, chytrid has devastated amphibian populations, contributing to the decline of 500 species and the extinction of 90, with six species lost in Australia alone. Waddle emphasizes the gravity of the situation, noting, “Nothing has ever caused this much devastation. In Australia, some frogs now exist only in controlled environments. This is a severe and ongoing crisis.”
Waddle’s innovative saunas offer a potential solution. The warm environment inside these small structures inhibits the growth of the chytrid fungus, enabling frogs to combat the infection and survive.
Frogs are crucial to ecosystem health, serving as bioindicators of environmental quality. Their decline poses a risk to entire ecosystems. According to a recent study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, 41 percent of frog species are at risk of extinction, making them one of the most endangered vertebrate groups. Major threats include habitat loss, climate change, and chytrid disease.
Addressing these threats is challenging, and while a complete cure for chytrid remains elusive, Waddle’s saunas offer a promising, cost-effective intervention. “This might be the first evidence that we could cheaply and feasibly reduce the annual frog die-offs,” Waddle said. “For the Green and Golden Bell frogs, it could be the difference between extinction and survival.”
Waddle stresses the need for a range of solutions, from complex genetic research to simpler methods like the saunas. “No single solution will work universally. Frogs are incredibly diverse,” he noted.
The saunas, costing just AUD$70 (US$50) to build, have proven so effective that Waddle has assisted numerous citizen scientists in constructing their own backyard versions. These saunas have not only yielded valuable data but also provided relief to frogs afflicted by the fungus.
Jodi Rowley, an amphibian biologist at the Australian Museum, commends the saunas as an example of innovative problem-solving with tangible benefits. “It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of biodiversity loss, but this study offers a practical way to aid frogs battling a devastating fungal disease,” she said.
The saunas stand as a beacon of hope for amphibian conservation, demonstrating that creative, accessible solutions can make a significant impact on the survival of endangered species.