Chytrid Fungus

The chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) is the most significant threat to the world’s montane amphibian populations.

This webpage all about chytridiomycosis, a potentially lethal disease of amphibians caused by the chytrid fungi (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and B. salamandrivorans). A lot more info coming soon!

Chytrid Fungus Midjourney Art Kerry Kriger

Chytrid Art by Dr. Kerry Kriger created in Midjourney

Chytridiomycosis In Amphibians (2023)

Enjoy this video of the April 2nd, 2023 event organized by the Reptile Study Group of Kenya, with SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger and Professor Tim James of the University of Michigan. We discuss the challenges facing amphibians, with a focus on the role of the potentially lethal skin disease chytridiomycosis.

Dr. Kerry Kriger did his Ph.D. research on the ecology of chytridiomycosis in Eastern Australia from 2003 to 2007. He provides a summary of the impacts and ecology of chytridiomycosis; detection of the chytrid fungus; ways to prevent its spread; and discusses SAVE THE FROGS! legislative successes related to chytridiomycosis.

Special guest Dr. Tim James is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan and the Curator of Fungi at the University Herbarium. Tim explains what chytrids are and discusses the bullfrog market, virulence and geographic origins of the fungi, and his lab’s Hymenochirus model. Tim researches fungi using genetic approaches to better understand their evolutionary history, ecology, in particular the mysterious ways in which fungi reproduce. Since the chytridiomycosis panzootic was recognized he has focused on understanding origins of the disease and developing a culture repository for investigation of pathogen biology.

“Very interesting talk. Thank you Kerry and Tim. You have made the study of fungus look so fascinating. – Jess Kurere, Reptile Study Group Kenya

Chytrid Fungus: SAVE THE FROGS! Academy Class Video

Dr. Kerry Kriger discusses the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), including his Ph.D. research on chytridiomycosis in Eastern Australia. Susan Jewell of the US Fish & Wildlife Service discusses USFWS efforts, and Jonathan Kolby discusses his research on diseases being imported into the USA. Recorded September 11th, 2013 as part of a SAVE THE FROGS! Academy online presentation series.

“Your video on chytrid fungus is really good. Thanks for condensing the information and presenting it in a helpful manner”
– Buck O’Brien, West Virginia

What Our Supporters Say

“I became enamored with frogs when I was twenty-four and had to take herpetology for the degree I was working on. I had *no* interest whatsoever in the class and had heard it was really hard. Frogs snagged my attention one day in lab when I saw a Grey’s in one of the tanks the prof had set up and I was struck by how cute tree frogs are. Closer to the end of the course we had to do a short paper on a topic the prof gave us and I got chytrid fungi. Color me totally hooked on frogs, and wanting to save him. My goal is to be an amphibian keeper at a zoo.”
Cheryl HoppyToad
SAVE THE FROGS! Supporter
“Kerry, your work inspires many! It’s amazing how many local restaurants carry frog legs. Just last week I ordered take out, later realizing they carried a frog leg dish. Obviously, I wont be returning. It’s so important for people to know the risks of frog legs and the chytrid fungus. Awareness is the first step. Congratulations on being featuring on ABC News!”
Miranda Kett
STF! Graphic Design Volunteer
Chytrid Fungus In Panama

WildHope and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute:
Protecting Endangered Amphibians From Chytrid Fungus

Learn about a long-term captive breeding project taking place at the Smithsonian scientific facilities in Panama. Video by WildHope.

In 2009, SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger taught a five-day course on chytrid detection techniques at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, with a goal of empowering Latin American researchers to detect chytrid fungus and protect amphibians and breeding facilities against disease spread.