Frog scientists are concerned about a large number of sick, dying or dead frogs across eastern Australia.
The mass deaths in NSW, Queensland and Victoria may be an indicator of a known fungal pathogen or a new strain.
“Reports are coming in of multiple frogs being found shrivelled and turning brown on people’s lawns,” Southern Cross University biologist David Newell said.
“It’s unusual to see dead frogs because most frogs are secretive in nature and decompose rapidly out of sight when they die.”
The most commonly observed sick or dead amphibian is the green tree frog, Litoria caruelea, however a range of other species also appear to be susceptible.
A fungal pathogen called the amphibian chytrid fungus is the most likely cause of the current deaths, but scientists want to be certain and are calling on the community to help monitor the situation.
“Just like we have seen with covid, it’s possible that a new strain of the chytrid fungus has emerged and we need to investigate this,” Dr Newell said.
“We know that the fungus thrives in cold and wet conditions.
“Australia’s frogs face a range of threats including habitat loss, climate change, pollution and disease, with 35 of our 242 species now considered threatened.
“At least four species have gone extinct since the early 1980s and globally there are more than 500 species that are facing extinction.”
How you can help
FrogID, a national citizen science program run by the Australian Museum is collating reports from members of the community.
The tools and info on frogid.net.au can help you identify frogs including an app that can record frog calls and help you to match your frogs with the museum’s data.
If you find a dead frog, take a photo and record the location details and send this to calls@frogid.net.au
If you find a freshly dead frog, collect it in a snap-lock bag and record the location, your contact details, the date and put it in a freezer for collection. Then notify calls@frogid.net.au
You can also arrange to drop off dead frog specimens locally with Dr Newell via david.newell@scu.edu.au
If you find a sick frog, take it immediately to a wildlife veterinarian and ask them to contact the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health.
This article appeared in the Richmond River Independent, 25 August 2021.
