Impacts of chytrid fungus on the survival of juvenile endangered Fleay’s barred frogs, Mixophyes fleayi, and importance for population recruitment

Theme: Theme: Biodiversity and conservation science, Ecology genetics and evolution, Environmental management, Zoology and wildlife biology

Description: 

Metamorphosis is a perilous time for frogs – not only are metamorphs particularly prone to predation as they move from an aquatic to terrestrial environment, but the transition from tadpole to frog also involves restructuring of body systems including the immune system, often rendering metamorphs highly susceptible to the devastating fungal skin disease, chytridiomycosis (pronounced ‘ki-tri-di-o-my-co-sis’).

Our recent research has shown that a small percentage of metamorphs of the endangered Fleay’s barred frog (Mixophyes fleayi) are apparently able to clear their infections soon after metamorphic climax (Gosner stage 42; Humphries et al, 2024), but the mechanisms underlying this are currently unclear.

This project will investigate the effects of chytrid infection, including survival, sublethal effects and physiological responses of tadpoles as they approach and transition through metamorphosis to become juvenile frogs. The project involves laboratory work with tadpoles and frogs, and potentially more advanced analyses at the sub-organism scale to explore physiological mechanisms. Depending on timing, there could also be opportunities for fieldwork.

Additional Information: This project is part of a more extensive research program funded by an Australian Research Council DECRA Project grant and involves a diverse network of collaborators.

Reference:
Humphries, J. E., Lanctôt, C. M., McCallum, H. I., Newell, D. A., & Grogan, L. F. (2024). Chytridiomycosis causes high amphibian mortality prior to the completion of metamorphosis. Environmental Research, 247, 118249. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2024.118249

Contact: Dr Laura Grogan