Scientists identify reason for amphibian's extinction

The reason for the demise of Darwin's frogs was "extinction by infection" scientists believe.

Conservation scientists from the Zoological Society of London found evidence of amphibian chytridiomycosis causing mortality in wild Darwin’s frogs and linked this with both the population decline of the southern Darwin’s frog, including from undisturbed ecosystems and the presumable extinction of the northern Darwin’s frog.

Although habitat disturbance is recognised as the main threat to the two existing species of Darwin's frogs (the northern Rhinoderma rufumendemic to Chile, and the southern Rhinoderma darwinii from Chile and Argentina), this cannot account for the plummeting population and disappearance from most of their habitat.

The scientists have published their research findings in the online journal PLOS ONE. Professor Andrew Cunningham, from ZSL’s Institute of Zoology, said: “Only a few examples of the 'extinction by infection' phenomenon exist. Although not entirely conclusive, the possibility of chytridiomycosis being associated with the extinction of the northern Darwin’s frog gains further support with this study”.

Hundreds of specimens of Darwin’s frogs and other amphibians from similar habitats, collected between 1835 and 1989, were tested to find DNA pieces of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a fungus that causes chytridiomycosis. Scientists also surveyed 26 populations of Darwin’s frogs  in Chile and Argentina between 2008 and 2012 for the presence of the fungus.

Darwin’s frogs were named after Charles Darwin who first discovered Rhinoderma darwinii in 1834 in south Chile during his famous voyage around the world. The species evolved to look like a leaf, with a pointy nose.

Research leadervClaudio Soto-Azat, a former ZSL PhD student, said: “Amphibians have inhabited the earth for 365 million years, far longer than mammals. We may have already lost one species, the northern Darwin’s frog, but we cannot risk losing the other one. There is still time to protect this incredible species."

Amphibians provide an important ecosystem service by maintaining balance in the environment. Without them insect plagues and their subsequent effect on agriculture and public health would be more frequent. ZSL scientists are working to further understand the reasons behind the extinction of Darwin’s frogs, and ensure the long-term survival of the species.