‘New Techniques for the Control of Emerging Amphibian Diseases in Populations at Risk of Extinction (BdOFF)’

Matthew Charles Fisher, Imperial College London; and Trenton Garner, Zoological Society of London.

An infectious disease caused by a pathogenic fungus is causing the worldwide decline of numerous amphibian species, making this vertebrate class the most imperiled on the planet. Within Continental Europe, the Iberian Peninsula is where the epidemic is spreading fastest, driving some species like the common midwife toad towards mass extinction on an unprecedented scale.

Since the disease’s detection in Europe, scientists have been studying its dynamics in the wild and in laboratory experiments. And after over 15 years of research, we now have sufficient information and experience to apply effective mitigation techniques.

This project, the first of its kind in the world, will involve a program of intensive actions to restore amphibian populations and habitats attacked by the fungal disease.