As explained in Pet Frogs Contributing to Spread of Chytrid and Amphibian Extinction Crisis, it is thought that the spread of the chytrid fungus is, in part, due to the shipment of frogs around the globe for the pet trade (among other things). There is the potential for the spread of chytrid fungus through the release of untreated waste water and materials from tanks which contain the fungus, as well as escaped or released frogs. Now, the Amphibian Steward Network, part of Tree Walkers International, is conducting a study of the presence of the chytrid fungus in captive frogs. The study has three main purposes: to gain information about the presence of chytrid fungus in captive Dedrobatid frogs, to inform keepers if their collections include infected frogs, and to raise awareness and limit the transfer of chytrid from captive collections to native environments.
Initially, only Dendrobatid frogs will be studied (if funding allows the study may be expanded), and shipping regulations will limit the study to US participants. The study will ship out test kits, instructions, and a short survey to participants (all postage paid). For more information on the study and becoming a participant, please see theis post at Dendroboard.com.
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