A deadly amphibian disease is threatening frog species worldwide.
In simple terms, the disease was spread by importing frogs from Africa and then releasing them into the wild.
This disease is Chytridiomycosis, caused by a pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, and has been called “the worst disease in vertebrate history” by one of the scientists studying it, Dr. Vance Vredenburg. Read all the details about the disease here, or a summary here.
In honor of frogs all over the world, here is a scratchboard drawing I worked on in collaboration with my mother, artist Barbara Dahn many years ago. She designed the drawing, and I rendered it in scratchboard. At the time, we were trying to raise awareness of frogs’ mysterious decline worldwide.
It seems frog decline is not so mysterious anymore. Hopefully, it isn’t too late.
It’s interesting you mention this because my little brother, who’s in grade 10, was just telling me about dissecting frogs in biology class. I was surprised to hear that schools still do that, since frogs are such a sensitive species that’s being deeply affected by pollution and climate change. Mice I can understand wanting to dissect in a school lab, but frogs make me sad. I hope they stop.
Oh, I cannot imagine dissecting a frog! But my guess is, if biology classes still use frogs, they use bullfrogs. I would imagine since they are non-native and generally considered an invasive species (at least in the US), that no one misses them too much. Plus, they are huge, which probably makes the icky task a little easier! I’d rather draw one than cut it open, though.
Oh, what a terrible fate. I hope we can save them.
I know…me too. Frogs are such delicate creatures, and they seem to be quite vulnerable to climate change. The last thing they need is a dangerous pathogen.
Omigosh… I had ABSOLUTELY no idea. None. Thanks so much for this post. 🙁 Very, very, VERY sad face. As you say, however: At least people are now aware.
But what a gorgeous image you’ve selected to commemorate these critical creatures.
Thanks, Christina. Sorry to bring out the sad face…