Spate of frog deaths along Australia's Mid North Coast has scientists worried

Dr David Newell is a biologist based at Southern Cross University, and has spent 25 years studying amphibian diversity, ecology and conservation.

"Reports are coming in of multiple frogs being found shrivelled and turning brown on people's lawns," Dr Newell said.

"It's unusual to see dead frogs because most frogs are secretive in nature and decompose rapidly out of sight when they die, so when there are multiple reports like this happening, we get very worried.

"Just like we have seen with COVID-19, It is possible that a new strain of the chytrid fungus has emerged and we need to investigate this."

The fungus is a deadly pathogen that attaches itself to a frog's back when they swim, and over time, it kills the frog. The fungus then spreads by releasing its spores into the surrounding environment.

Sick frogs quite often shed lots of skin, have discolouration or red patches on their body, and when they are placed on their back, can't right themselves easily.

"We are asking people to report any sightings of sick or dying frogs, to calls@frogid.net.au, and also if they find dead any bodies, freeze them and get in contact with the us," Dr Newell said.

FrogID is a national citizen science program run by the Australian Museum, and it is seeking to collate reports from members of the community.

If you spot a sick frogs in your area, take it immediately to a wildlife veterinarian and ask them to contact the Registry of Wildlife Health for the treatment protocols.

Dr Newell advised against taking frogs away from their habitats.

"I know it's nice to have frogs in your garden, but please don't move frogs big distances, just create habitats and they will turn up by themselves. Moving them could potentially spread the pathogen to areas where it isn't at," Dr Newell said.

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