Dominica’s mountain chicken frog, which was once so abundant that it became a national delicacy, is now on the verge of extinction. Recent surveys have revealed a staggering decline in their numbers, with only 21 individuals found on the Caribbean island.
The dramatic decrease in the frog’s population is attributed to the outbreak of Chytridiomycosis in 2002. This fungal infectious disease has affected more than 500 frog species globally. The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) reports that the mountain chicken frog’s population has plummeted by over 99% since the disease’s emergence. Once widespread across seven Caribbean islands, researchers now believe Dominica is the last refuge for these frogs in the wild.
The Mountain Chicken Recovery Programme, a collaborative effort involving ten European and Caribbean conservation institutes, conducted the survey over 26 nights. Their mission is to restore healthy populations of the frog in Dominica and Montserrat by 2034. Despite their extensive search during July and August, the team found only 23 frogs, two of which were unfortunately found dead on the road.
The mountain chicken frog, also known as the giant ditch frog, is one of the world’s largest frogs. Males of the species were once known for their distinctive croaks that echoed throughout the rainforests. Jeanelle Brisbane, a Dominica ecologist, expressed her sorrow at the potential loss of this iconic sound that defines their island.
The frog’s decline isn’t solely due to the Chytrid disease. Over the years, they have faced threats from hunting, predators like cats, and environmental challenges. Jeanelle Brisbane highlighted the changing climate in Dominica, which has led to drier rivers, pushing the frogs closer to busy roads in their search for water.
Chytrid disease has been responsible for 90 extinctions in the past 50 years, as per the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. Alyssa Wetterau Kaganer, a researcher at the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab, emphasized the ongoing global research efforts to combat the disease. Some frogs have shown resilience against the disease, and studying these individuals might provide insights into combating the fungus.
The ZSL team took mouth swabs from the frogs found during the survey to investigate any potential resistance to the fungus. Alyssa Wetterau Kaganer also highlighted the role of human activity in spreading the chytrid fungus, such as transporting infected animals or even through footwear. She emphasized the importance of cleaning footwear after outdoor activities and supporting conservation efforts to protect the frogs.
The mountain chicken frog’s plight underscores the broader challenges faced by amphibians worldwide and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these vital species.