Assessing interactive effects of bushfire fighting chemicals and disease on Queensland’s threatened frogs
Theme: Theme: Biodiversity and conservation science, Ecology genetics and evolution, Environmental management, Zoology and wildlife biology
Description:
In light of the devastating Black Summer bushfires and expected increases in bushfire risk in coming years with projected climate change, this project aims to examine the effects of firefighting chemicals (FFCs) on threatened amphibians in the context of their existing threats, particularly the fungal disease chytridiomycosis. Firefighting chemicals are increasingly being applied to prevent the spread of bushfires, with minimal consideration for their impact on wildlife.
Australian frogs are already highly threatened, with over 18% of species listed as threatened due to disease, bushfires, contaminants, and habitat loss, among other threats. Of particular significance, the disease chytridiomycosis (pronounced ‘ki-tri-di-o-my-co-sis’) has already caused the extinction of six Queensland frog species and continues to threaten many more. Despite their high reproductive capacity, multiple threatening processes can have calamitous impacts on long-term frog population sustainability. We hypothesise that FFCs increase the vulnerability of disease-threatened frogs.
Understanding the impacts of FFCs on Australian frogs, especially those already threatened by disease, will help prioritise management and conservation efforts. The research will inform bushfire management policies by enabling the implementation of evidence-based strategies for FFC use in and around the habitats of threatened frog species where chytridiomycosis is currently prevalent.
Additional Information: This project is a collaboration with Griffith University and is funded by the Queensland Government Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. Key collaborators include ecotoxicologist Dr. Chantal Lanctot, ecologist Dr. Clare Morrison, and Senior Conservation Officer with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Harry Hines.
Contact: Dr Laura Grogan