Environmental stress effects on amphibian populations-Dr. R. Harris

Fungi can threaten amphibians in at least two ways.  First, fungi can cause pathogenic infections of amphibian eggs.  Second, chytrid fungi can cause death of adult amphibians.  Certain species of bacteria, which live on the skin of amphibians, can offer protection against fungi by production of antibiotics.  We will investigate the anti-fungal properties of cutaneous bacteria of several species of amphibians.  Many amphibian populations globally are in decline or have gone extinct, even in pristine areas.  Our research may help us to understand amphibian population declines.  For example, at risk populations may have reduced levels of beneficial bacteria on their skin