Researchers have uncovered a newly identified and infectious diseases among tadpoles that are allegedly common among various frog populations around the world. In a study published Monday in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Journal, scientists detail how the new disease, Protist, may threaten frog populations worldwide.
Protist is a single-celled parasitic microbe which was found in the livers of tadpole samples taken randomly from six countries across three continents, according to The Standard Daily. The disease is highly infectious, and, according to predictions, can decimate frog populations if left unchecked.
The scientists also noted that the disease, which was found in both tropical and temperate regions of the world, is a distant relative of oyster parasites, according to Reuters, via iolscitech.
"Global frog populations are suffering serious declines and infectious disease has been shown to be a significant factor," said Thomas Richards of Exeter University, who co-led the study. "We now need to figure out if this novel microbe causes significant disease and could be contributing to the frog population declines."
Amphibians are among the most threatened of all animal groups. In 2008, 32 percent of frog species were categorized as threatened or extinct while 42 percent were listed as in decline, according to Chinese news site YIBADA.
Many researchers believe that the decline of amphibian populations, particularly frogs, is indicative of the hypothesis that the Earth is going through its sixth "mass extinction event".
