Conservation biologist Anthony Waddle and his student team work in Sydney to combat the chytrid fungal infection threatening green and golden bell frogs. They have developed a 'frog sauna' treatment that exposes frogs to warmer temperatures, effectively limiting the fungus's growth. Published findings indicated that a few hours in this enclosure can lead to significant recovery. The treatment has garnered attention and earned Waddle a Future for Nature award, especially given the crucial role frogs play in biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Conservation biologist Anthony Waddle leads efforts to save declining populations of green and golden bell frogs by using a 'frog sauna' to treat chytrid infections.
Chytrid fungus contributes to global decreases in over 500 frog species, and the heat-sensitive nature of the fungus allows easy treatment in some survivors.
Waddle's research demonstrates that exposing infected frogs to temperatures around 28 °C can significantly control chytrid growth, making the sauna method effective.
Saving a single female green and golden bell frog can drastically alter population dynamics, as one adult can generate thousands of offspring.
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