Natural History Wanderings

Biology Professor Fights Deadly Fungal Disease That Infects Frogs

The New York Times reported that Chytridiomycosis or Chytrid, which is a deadly fungus, has resulted in the extinction of 200 of the world’s 6,700 amphibian species.  One third of the world’s frogs, toads and salamanders are at risk.  In the Sierra Nevada the yellow-legged frog (Rana Sierrae) has seen a significant decline in population from Chytrid.  University of San Francisco biology professor, Vance Vredenburg,  may have found an answer.  He and colleagues have discovered that by injecting frogs with a bacteria (Janthinobacterium lividum) know as J. liv that can increase the frogs’ chances of survival.  Unfortunately, J Liv cannot prevent the infection.  To read more go to:  Toiling to Save a Threatened Frog in the N.Y. Times.