TREATING CHYTRIDIOMYCOSIS IN THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPOTTED TREE FROG

Spotted Tree Frog (Litoria spenceri)                                   Photo: G. Gillespie

Chytridiomycosis (or chytrid fungus) is a threat to the Critically Endangered Spotted Tree Frog (Litoria spenceri). Healesville Sanctuary currently has a captive breeding program for Spotted Tree Frogs. One of the goals of the breeding program is to release frogs back into the wild.

To do this, however, it is necessary to confirm that chytridiomycosis can be treated effectively in Spotted Tree Frogs.  This will reduce frog deaths in captivity and ensure any frog releases do not spread chytridiomycosis back into the wild.  This research project is led by Dr Leesa Haynes, Veterinarian, Healesville Sanctuary.

AIM

This project aims to identify an effective treatment for chytridiomycosis in Spotted Tree Frogs.

METHODS

Given the success of itraconazole and chloramphenicol in treating chytridiomycosis in other Litoria species, these two drugs will be tested for toxicity and treatment efficacy in Spotted Tree Frogs.

Because Spotted Tree Frogs are Critically Endangered, the two drugs will initially be tested on another frog species - the Leaf Green Tree Frog (Litoria nudidigitus), which lives in a similar environment and has similar characteristics to the Spotted Tree Frog.

Once the most effective drug has been identified, it will then be tested on Spotted Tree Frogs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

- on this research project - click here to email Dr Leesa Haynes (Principal Investigator).

- on Zoos Victoria's role in conserving the Spotted Tree Frog - click here

- on Litoria spenceri and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - click here.