It was not a lovely Valentine’s day for all of us…
On February 14th, a paper was published in Science about a 12-year study (6 pre-disease and 6 post-disease) on snake communities in El Copé, Panama. The snake community in El Copé is now less diverse, and the snakes’ physical fitness has changed. But, actually, the disease is not one that directly affects snakes.
No no, it attacks frogs. We’ve known about this disease for decades already (chytrid fungus – chytridiomycosis). Lots of scientists worldwide are studying it and looking for answers and solutions. This fungus was identified about 20 years ago and since over 500 species of amphibians have been reported infected and with population decline. This fungus has already driven some frog species to extinction.
So, what do snakes have to do here?
Well, the sudden demise of frogs left snakes without food. Some snakes can adapt their diets more easily than other more sensible species, so the fitness throughout the snake community varies. Overall, things are not looking good.
Despite this terribly sad news, it is a ‘good’ thing to have evidence for this “cascading effects” in ecology and conservation sciences, because for many groups of organisms it’s mostly theoretical based on existing known relationships.
Is this frogs and snakes decline “natural” because it was a fungus? No. The distribution of this disease totally points to us humans.
What can YOU do?
Wherever you’re traveling to, find out first if this disease has been found there and try as much as possible to disinfect your shoes and gear if you’re constantly moving from one place to another. Especially if you’re out in nature!
Google “chytrid fungus” or “Bd frogs” to find out – it has been studied in plenty of places and information about its distribution is usually available. (Or ask your favorite #Herper for help!😉)
Share and help us spread the news, and not the disease!
Tell me, do you live in a place where frogs have this fungal threat?
Ref:
Zipkin, E.F. et al. 2020. Tropical Snake Diversity Collapses after Widespread Amphibian Loss. Science.
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