Nature Podcast

These frog 'saunas’ could help endangered species fight off a deadly fungus

4 snips
Jul 3, 2024
Researchers discuss hunting for primeval black holes to find dark matter, combining jellies survive ocean depths, cash transfers boost child well-being, 'frog saunas' combat deadly fungus, UK election impact on research, China's lunar rock sampling mission.
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INSIGHT

Fungus Vulnerable to Warmth

  • The chytrid fungus that kills frogs struggles to survive at temperatures as low as 26 degrees Celsius.
  • Understanding this temperature sensitivity can help control the disease in frog populations.
ADVICE

Use Saunas to Help Frogs

  • Build simple greenhouse 'saunas' out of black bricks to provide frogs with warm, humid shelters.
  • These saunas raise temperatures enough to help frogs clear fungal infections even in cool weather.
ANECDOTE

Frogs Prefer Self-Selected Heat

  • Frogs allowed to freely choose warm temperatures lost fungal infections faster than those kept at artificial high temperatures.
  • Giving frogs behavioral control over heat exposure proved more effective for fighting the disease.
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