Amphibians around the world are threatened by the deadly fungus chytridiomycosis – or chytrid for short. It firstly affects the skin of amphibians which is extremely delicate. But when chytrid invades their skin it disrupts the skins ability to regulate water uptake and causes electrolyte levels to drop. In turn, this makes the amphibians heart stop.
That’s why it’s vital we work together with other scientists, researchers and zoos to develop prevention and mitigation strategies to prevent further declines in frog species.
Molly and colleagues are working to identify the ideal skin probiotics for Madagascar amphibians which we at Chester Zoo are supporting. This work is extremely important in finding a mitigation strategy for the amphibian chytrid fungus.