Pathogenic Chytridiomycosis in Frogs

5 Mar 2026 · 1 min read
research

Chytridiomycosis is a deadly amphibian disease caused by chytrid fungi, predominantly Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Chytrid originated from the Korean peninsula, but has since spread across the world via the pet trade. Outside its native range it has devastating effects on amphibian population, causing massive declines and even multiple extinctions.

Management strategies against chytridiomicosis have proven difficult. Once chytrid arrives, it is virtually impossible to eliminate from the environment. Therefore, amphibian conservation efforts are looking for ways to increase amphibian resistance to chytrid. I have had the pleasure of contributing my analytical expertise to some exciting recent advances towards the immunisation of the green and golden bell frog (Ranoidea aurea). This is a collaboration I started with Dr Anthony Waddle in 2020. It involves research at Macquarie University in Sydney (Australia) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Las Vegas (NV, USA).

Chytrid Frogs
Yorick Lambreghts
Authors
Yorick Lambreghts (he/him)
Behavioural ecologist
Yorick Lambreghts is an honorary postdoctoral fellow at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. His research spans social behaviour, genetics, and conservation, focussing on how animals communicate and cooperate, how these interactions shape their evolution, and how they can adapt to changing environments.