Frog Wiped Out by Disease Returns to the Wild With the Help of ‘Frog Spas’ and ‘Frog Saunas’

A frog species previously driven to extinction in the wild by a deadly fungal disease has made a remarkable comeback, with conservationists using creative methods such as ‘frog spas’ and ‘frog saunas’ to help the amphibians survive and thrive once again in their natural habitat.

Chytrid Fungus: A Deadly Threat

The southern corroboree frog, native to the alpine regions of southeastern Australia, suffered catastrophic population declines due to the spread of chytridiomycosis, a disease caused by the chytrid fungus. This pathogen has devastated amphibian populations worldwide, leading to the disappearance of numerous species.

By the early 2000s, the southern corroboree frog was no longer found in the wild, with only a handful of individuals surviving in captivity. The fungus attacks the skin of amphibians, disrupting their ability to absorb water and electrolytes, which is essential for their survival.

Innovative Conservation Strategies

Determined to reverse the frog’s fate, scientists and conservationists developed a series of novel interventions to protect the species from the deadly fungus. Among these were specially designed ‘frog spas’ and ‘frog saunas’—controlled environments that help the frogs resist infection and recover from exposure to the pathogen.

• Frog spas: These are enclosures where frogs are treated with antifungal baths, helping to clear the fungus from their skin.
• Frog saunas: Warm, humid chambers that simulate the frogs’ natural environment and encourage behaviors that reduce fungal loads.

By combining these treatments with selective breeding for disease resistance, conservationists have been able to rear healthy frogs capable of surviving in the wild.

Return to the Wild

Following years of careful preparation, hundreds of southern corroboree frogs have now been released into protected areas within their native range. The reintroduction sites are carefully monitored, with researchers tracking the frogs’ health and survival rates to assess the success of the program.

Early results are promising, with many released frogs adapting well to their environment and even beginning to breed. Scientists hope that these efforts will establish self-sustaining wild populations and serve as a model for saving other amphibian species threatened by disease.

Looking Ahead

The use of ‘frog spas’ and ‘frog saunas’ represents a significant step forward in amphibian conservation, offering hope for species facing similar threats from emerging diseases. Conservationists remain committed to refining these techniques and expanding their use to safeguard the world’s vulnerable amphibian populations.