The mysterious decline in numbers of the world’s amphibians may be caused by
introduced epidemics. Fungal infections, parasites, pollution and habitat loss
have all been invoked to explain mass deaths of amphibians in the past decade.
But in the electronic journal Emerging Infectious Diseases (vol 5, no
6), scientists from the US, Britain and Australia say the patterns of death are
best explained by an introduced fungal infection sweeping across Central America
and Australia, and a virus in North America and Europe.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Woman with Alzheimer's starts conversing again after taking psilocybin
2
You should turn off fans when it's too hot – but how hot is too hot?
3
Screwworm could be the first species targeted by an 'extinction drive'
4
Possible signs of ancient life on Mars are rich in complex carbon
5
Faecal transplant makes the brains of old mice act young again
6
What’s the secret to living well beyond the average life expectancy?
7
How some people's brains make an extraordinary recovery from stroke
8
How menopause radically changes the brain – and what happens after
9
All known Homo naledi skeletons seem to be female
10
Unapproved gene therapy for boosting longevity is set to go on sale
