Frogs are amazing

[Michaelangelica]

new frog discovered.

In this photograph released by Conservation International on Monday, June 4, 2007, an Atelopus frog is shown in this March 2006 file photo taken at the Nassau Mountains, eastern Suriname. Scientists said Monday that they

New species found in Suriname on Yahoo! News Photos

 

Tadpoles on the hop

A simple rise in temperature can trigger the change in many species.

 

2. A lack of food can also be a major motivator. As the tadpole's food supply runs out, changing into a frog provides access to more food from its environment.

 

The change from tadpole to frog can be held over for many months if conditions aren't right. Although the typical time frame is around six weeks to three months, some desert frog species take as little as 16 days while one species of Barred Frog (Mixophyes spp.) can take as much as two years to go all the way from egg to frog.

Tadpoles on the hop - March - Scribbly Gum - ABC Science Online

[Michaelangelica]

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

 

Deadly fungus leaps to wild frogs

Kyodo News

 

Japan's first case in the wild of a deadly fungus that has been wiping out frogs around the world has been confirmed just months after the fungus was detected in captive imported frogs, a team of scientists announced.

 

The chytrid fungus has been detected in this American bullfrog

The chytrid fungus has been detected in this American bullfrog. PHOTO COURTESY OF AZABU UNIVERSITY / KYODO

 

The scientists from Azabu University in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, and the National Institute for Environmental Studies said at a weekend conference that the case involving four American bullfrogs in Kanagawa Prefecture was detected as they examined 132 frogs and newts of 23 species that inhabit Japan as part of an initial study.

 

Out of the total, genetic traces of the parasitic fungus were detected in 42 of the amphibians, or 31.9 percent.

Deadly fungus leaps to wild frogs | The Japan Times Online

[Michaelangelica]

Brain cancer drug hope from frogs

Northern Leopard frog (Rana pipiens)

The molecule is based on one from the egg cells of a frog

A synthetic molecule based on one found in frog egg cells could potentially be used to treat brain tumours.

 

Amphinase is a version of a molecule isolated from the egg cells of the Northern Leopard frog (Rana pipiens).

 

UK and US scientists found it recognises the sugary coating found on a tumour cell, and latches on to it before invading and killing it.

 

The Journal of Molecular Biology paper suggests the molecule could potentially treat many cancers.

 

 

It is rather like Mother Nature's very own magic bullet

Professor Ravi Acharya

University of Bath

 

However, the researchers, from the University of Bath and the Alfacell Corporation, believe it shows the greatest potential in treating brain tumours, for which complex surgery and chemotherapy are the only current treatments.

 

Researcher Professor Ravi Acharya said: "This is a very exciting molecule.

BBC NEWS | Health | Brain cancer drug hope from frogs

[Michaelangelica]

Purple frog may croak it soon

The two-tone frog, whose skin is covered with irregular fluorescent lavender loops on a background of aubergine, was discovered in 2006 as part of a survey of Suriname's Nassau plateau, the conservation group says.

 

Frogs, fish, dung beetles and ants

 

Scientists combing the plateau and Lely Mountains found four other new frog species apart from the purple one, six species of fish, 12 dung beetles and a new ant species, the organisation says.

 

News in Science - Purple frog may croak it soon - 05/06/2007

[Michaelangelica]

Texas rainstorm causes frog breeding boom

However, the rainstorm and the standing water has resulted in an unusual side effect. The damp conditions have resulted in the perfect breeding grounds for toads and frogs. Professor Glenn Perrigo, chairman of biology department at ...

QI News - QI News

This used to be the case when i was a kid 1960? (2007?)

as soon as there was a reasonable downpour there were zillions of tadpoles. It was a great joy.

 

We have just had the wettest time in 50 years locally.

Yet I have yet to see one tadpole

What has happened?

[Michaelangelica]

Toadally Frogs

People hopping to Museum of Natural History's exhibit

By Pomera M. Fronce

Close-Up Correspondent

Article Last Updated: 08/02/2007 01:21:21 PM MDT

 

Click photo to enlarge

Right, the Surinam toad looks somewhat like a leaf.... (Pomera M. Fronce/The Salt Lake Tribune )

 

* «

* 1

* 2

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The terrible dart frog produces a poison so toxic that if it entered your skin via a tiny scratch or cut, you would be dead within minutes.

Moreover, the coloration of the terrible dart frog (Phyllobates terribilis), which is found in Colombia, makes it stand out from its surroundings and serves as a warning to predators to give it a wide berth.

Such tidbits come courtesy of the Audubon Nature Institute of New Orleans, which has its Toadally Frogs exhibit on display at the Utah Museum of Natural History.

Tim Lee, exhibits designer for the museum, says the New Orleans-based institute suffered a tremendous loss from Hurricane Katrina.

"They are just starting to get back on their feet, and we wanted to partner with them on this exhibit to show our support," Lee says. "Many of our exhibits include taxidermy and things that have been dead for a long time. We were excited for the opportunity to acquire this amazing show of live animals."

The exhibit features a variety of living amphibians - 70 frogs and toads representing 20 species that are comfortably housed in terrariums suited to their special needs. Information and activities at the museum are aimed at separating frog fact from fiction and are geared toward visitors of all ages.

Besides offering insight about frogs, the exhibit imparts a message about conservation. Ben Chan, a University

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of Utah graduate student in biology who researches frogs, says about 120 species of frogs have become extinct since 1980 and one-third of the world's remaining species are in decline.

"Frogs are an amazing indicator of the health of our environment," Chan says. "They are in trouble from things like disease, habitat loss, climate changes and over-collecting for the pet trade. The take-home message [of the exhibit] is that frogs are hurting from damage being caused by humans, but that can change if we change."

Mary McDermott, a staff member at the museum, says the exhibit affords people with the opportunity to see some very unusual amphibians.

"Most people will probably never have another chance to see frogs like these," McDermott says.

That might explain why visitors are flocking to the museum in record numbers since the exhibit opened.

"We had 1,100 people on opening day, and on the first free Monday there were 2,000 people," says museum spokesman Darrell Kirby. "This is a fun exhibit."

 

* WHAT: Toadally Frogs exhibit

* WHERE: Utah Museum of Natural History, 1390 E. Presidents Circle

* WHEN: Ends Sept. 3. The exhibit is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

* For more information, call 801-581-6927, or visit Utah Museum of Natural History.

 

Frog facts

* Some evidence suggests frogs have roamed the Earth for more than 200 million years.

* There are 4,900 species of frogs worldwide; 15 in Utah.

* A group of frogs is called an army.

* The term "ranidaphobia" means a fear of frogs.

* Rosie the Ribiter holds the world record for the longest frog jump - 21 feet 5 inches, set in 1986. The long jump record for humans is 29 feet 4 1/2 inches.

Source: Audubon Nature Institute of New Orleans

Toads are not frogs. Idjit reporter, anything for a punny head line.

Salt Lake Tribune - Toadally Frogs

[Michaelangelica]

News

Origin of frog-killing fungus probed

Tuesday, 7 August 2007

by Samantha Medina

Cosmos Online

Origin of frog-killing fungus probed

Staying power: Frog populations in California and worldwide are being wiped out by the chytrid fungus. Research now suggests the fungus can reproduce sexually meaning it is even more hardy and persistent than realised.

Image: Vrandenburg/Morgan

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Related articles

 

* Amphibians in losing race with climate

* Poison frogs get toxicity from mites

* Frogs rafted to the Caribbean

 

SYDNEY: A new study is providing vital clues to the origin of a deadly disease ripping through global frog populations – it also suggests the chytrid fungus is much hardier than thought.

 

The research helps to confirm that the disease is a newly spread pathogen, rather than an existing one that has become more dangerous with climate change.

 

The frog killing chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, infects the skin of susceptible amphibians and rapidly kills them. Not identified until 1998, the waterborne pathogen has already been fingered in the extinction of more than 150 species. It is known to have penetrated remote locales, national parks and protected preserves, and is taking a heavy toll on frogs on nearly every continent.

. . .

reveals that the chytrid fungus is reproducing sexually - rather than asexually by cloning itself as had been assumed by experts.

 

The find is significant as it means the fungus is a hardy more persistent species that can survive outside its host and evolve more rapidly than asexual fungi through shuffling its genes.

Shuffle anyone?:hihi:

Origin of frog-killing fungus probed | COSMOS magazine

[Michaelangelica]

Genetic Analysis Finds Greater Threat In Frog-killing Fungus

 

Science Daily — A deadly fungus that has decimated populations of mountain yellow-legged frogs in the Sierra Nevada can likely be spread by sexual reproduction, seriously complicating efforts to save the frogs from extinction, according to a new genetic analysis led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.

 

Shown are mountain yellow-legged frogs at Kings Canyon National Park that have not been infected by the deadly fungus, B. dendrobatidis. (Credit: Vance T. Vredenburg)

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The dramatic decline of the mountain yellow-legged frog over the past several decades has been attributed to the introduction of non-native predatory fish in some areas and to chytridiomycosis, a quickly spreading disease caused by this waterborne fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.

 

The study, to appear in next week's edition of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that the frog-killing fungus may end up playing the bigger role in the frog's demise because of the pathogen's ability to spread over long distances and possibly persist in the environment as a consequence of sexual reproduction, according to the researchers.

 

"This group of fungi, when it reproduces sexually, can create spores that can last for a decade," said John Taylor, UC Berkeley

ScienceDaily: Genetic Analysis Finds Greater Threat In Frog-killing Fungus

[Michaelangelica]

Listen Now - 18082007 | Download Audio - 18082007

Science Show

 

* 00:00: Cane toad control Read Transcript

* 05:50: Crisis for frogs Read Transcript

 

Some stuf fon New Zealand frogs too

[Michaelangelica]

Frog stamps from Australia

I have ordered some

Sorry unable to load a pic for some reason

[Michaelangelica]

 

Paul Frangos took this photo of a green frog in his backyard in Alstonville.

 

Bernard Thomas sent in this photo from Macleans Ridges saying when the rains came in early March, the frogs came out. This one is on a Grass Tree spear outside my front door. It was tiny, about 1.5cm. Regular Wildlife Wednesday guest, Gary Opit, says this is an Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog, Litoria fallax.

from

Local photos - photo of the week :: ABC North Coast NSW

 

Frog-Killing Fungus Could Be Greater Threat, Finds New Genetic Analysis

 

A deadly fungus that has decimated populations of mountain yellow-legged frogs in the Sierra Nevada can likely be spread by sexual reproduction, seriously complicating efforts to save the frogs from extinction, according to a new genetic analysis led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.

GeneticArchaeology.com - Frog-Killing Fungus Could Be Greater Threat, Finds New Genetic Analysis (8/9/2007)

[Michaelangelica]

Frogs inspire new super sticky tape

Reuters

 

Friday, 12 October 2007

 

frog

The frog-inspired adhesive tape is 30 times more sticky, report researchers (Image: iStockphoto)

The sticky toe pads of tree frogs and crickets have inspired Indian researchers to create an adhesive tape that is both strong and reusable.

News in Science - Frogs inspire new super sticky tape - 12/10/2007

 

 

Associate Professor Mike Tyler's team from the University of Adelaide, wins the Ig Nobel biology prize for its work on frog smells.

Tyler says each frog has a characteristic odour when stressed.

 

"Most of the tree frogs have odours which resemble either peanuts or cashew nuts," he says. "It's very sweet."

 

He says another group of frogs have a distinct curry smell.

 

"In fact one is a sweet Bombay curry," he says. "And there's another one which is more like one of the north Indian chilli-laden curries."

 

Tyler and team have also found about 20 frogs that smell like cut grass and then "there are some rancid ones".

 

The researchers aren't sure what all the smells mean but have found out that some of the chemicals behind them are responsible for killing mosquitoes.

News in Science - Frog-sniffing scientists win Ig Nobel - 07/10/2005

[Michaelangelica]

Amphibian Crisis, Amphibian Ark and the 2008 Year of the Frog Campaign

NEWS RELEASE

For further information contact:

Lisette Pavajeau Jo Ann Miles

Communications/Development Officer Fleishman-Hillard

Amphibian Ark St. Louis, Mo., U.S.

Bogota, Columbia 314-982-8624

571- 2139606 [email protected]

[email protected]

 

WORLD’S AMPHIBIAN CRISIS COULD LEAD TO

LARGEST MASS EXTINCTION SINCE DINOSAURS

 

Up to Half of the Globe’s Amphibian Species in Danger of Extinction; Conservationists Name 2008 “Year of the Frog”

 

Amphibian Ark to Bring Most Endangered Amphibian Species into

“Protective Custody” for Safekeeping, Eventual Reintroduction

 

BUDAPEST (Aug. 26, 2007) – Earth is facing its largest mass extinction since the disappearance of the dinosaurs. From one-third to one-half of the planet’s 6,000 amphibian species – frogs and toads, salamanders and newts, and caecilians, which have thrived for 360 million years – are in danger of extinction.

To mitigate this crisis, the world’s leading conservationists have joined together to name 2008 “The Year of the Frog” in hopes of raising both awareness and the critical funding needed to address the crisis. Amphibians are often called “the world’s canaries in the coal mine,” and when hundreds of species are in decline it serves as a global warning to other species.

A broad strategy, called the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP), will unfold to protect habitat and address other environmental threats. ACAP’s most urgent initiative, the Amphibian Ark, will develop, promote, and guide short-term captive management of the most threatened amphibians, making possible the long-term survival of species for which adequate protection in the wild is not currently possible. It is being orchestrated cooperatively by the

- more –

 

Amphibian Ark is a partnership between the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, and IUCN/SSC Amphibian Specialist Group.

 

The Amphibian Ark

 

Amphibian Ark

Add One

 

 

IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, the IUCN/SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

“Widespread extinction of amphibians would be catastrophic,” said Jeffrey P. Bonner, Ph.D., chairman of Amphibian Ark and president and CEO of the St. Louis Zoo. “In addition to their intrinsic value, they offer many benefits and are a critical part of a healthy world. They play an important role in the food web as both predator and prey, eating insects which benefits agriculture and minimizes disease spread. Their skin also has substances that protect them from some microbes and viruses, offering promising medical cures for a variety of human diseases.”

Captive management is a vital component of ACAP’s integrated conservation effort, buying valuable time to mitigate threats for species that otherwise would go extinct. Amphibian Ark will bring priority amphibian species into “protective custody” in dedicated, biosecure facilities at zoos, aquariums, and other institutions around the world for safekeeping and breeding. These rescued amphibians will be reintroduced into the wild when the original threats have been controlled.

The goal of the 2008 Year of the Frog campaign is to raise awareness of the crisis among media, educators, corporations, philanthropists, governments, and the general public, and to generate the funding needed to implement ACAP. The Amphibian Ark component alone will cost $50-$60 million.

Sir David Attenborough, patron of the 2008 Year of the Frog campaign, said, “The global zoo and aquarium community has taken on this challenge with enthusiasm and is providing appropriate facilities and breeding grounds within their institutions. But implementation calls for financial and political support from all parts of the world. Without an immediate and sustained conservation effort to support captive management, hundreds of species of these wonderful creatures could become extinct in our own lifetime.”

Amphibians are severely affected by habitat loss, climate change, pollution and pesticides, introduced species, and over-collection for food and pets.

 

-more -

 

Amphibian Ark

Add Two

 

However, the most immediate threat to amphibians is a parasitic fungus called amphibian chytrid, a disease that is deadly to hundreds of amphibian species. Global climate change may have exacerbated the problem. Currently unstoppable and untreatable in the wild, the fungus can kill 80 percent of native amphibians within months.

The ACAP was drafted in 2005 at the Amphibian Conservation Summit led by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and Conservation International (CI). It outlines four kinds of intervention needed to address the amphibian extinction crisis: research to expand understanding of the causes of declines and extinctions; assessment and ongoing documentation of the diversity and changing status of amphibians; development and implementation of long term-conservation programs (including protection of key sites for amphibian survival, reintroductions, and control of harvesting); and, emergency responses to immediate amphibian crises, including rapid response teams, captive survival assurance programs, saving sites about to be lost, and saving harvested species about to disappear.

“It is of utmost importance to raise awareness among national governments, world media, school educators, corporations, philanthropists, and the general public about the fragility of amphibians and the enormous responsibility that each of us has in trying to rescue the amphibians in danger,” said J̈̈örg Junhold, Ph.D., chair of the Amphibian Ark Year of the Frog campaign and director of Zoo Leipzig.

“The outcome of the Amphibian Ark project will be that we will have saved hundreds if not thousands of species from extinction. We also will have developed a capacity both within our institutions and globally to continue to provide amphibian species with care and protection when needed, formed a true partnership between offsite and onsite components of conservation, and demonstrated to the world that zoos and aquariums are essential conservation organizations.”

# # #

[Michaelangelica]

Frog killer fungus 'breakthrough'

By Kim Griggs

Science reporter, Wellington

Frog (Image: Conservation International/Don Church)

The disease has had a devastating impact on frog populations (Conservation Int/D.Church)

 

New Zealand scientists have found what appears to be a cure for the disease that is responsible for wiping out many of the world's frog populations.

 

Chloramphenicol, currently used as an eye ointment for humans, may be a lifesaver for the amphibians, they say.

 

The researchers found frogs bathed in the solution became resistant to the killer disease, chytridiomycosis.

 

The fungal disease has been blamed for the extinction of one-third of the 120 species lost since 1980.

 

Fearful that chytridiomycosis might wipe out

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Frog killer fungus 'breakthrough'

[Ganoderma]

very cool!!!!! now lets go out hiking in colombia for 3 years to possibly find the last pair of golden toads alive :(

 

for many its too late, and the reality of it being used seems low....this is why captivity is often a good last resort.

 

this fungus has really made me sad over the years....along with many other retarded human things that aid in their extinction.

[Michaelangelica]

Amphibian extinction may be worse than thought

mongabay.com

October 31, 2007

Amphibians -- cold-blooded animals that include frogs, toads, salamanders, newts and caecilians -- are dying in huge numbers all over the planet: the Global Amphibian Assessment, a comprehensive status assessment of the world's amphibian species, reports that one-third of the world’s 5,918 known amphibian species are classified as threatened with extinction and more than 170 species have likely gone extinct since 1980. While scientists have yet to find a smoking gun, climate change, pollution, and the emergence of a deadly and infectious fungal disease, which has been linked to global warming, are the leading suspects for the observed decline.

Amphibian extinction may be worse than thought

[Queso]

I had a dream seven frogs visited me.

One red, one orange, one yellow, one green, one azul, one indigo, and one white.

They all had black markings.

They looked like a cross between the poison arrow, and the Bufo.

I was careful not to touch them because of the DMT and Bufotenine in their venom.

but I couldn't help it, and I started tripping in my dream.

Some frogs would become invisible, the others were always playing games with me.

They never spoke a word. They were friendly. They gave me amazing dream feelings and they took me to a dream beach where everything shifted.

Frogs are indeed amazing.