Several deadly diseases are sweeping through amphibians around the world, and scientists have been watching it happen for decades. The two most common are chytrid (KIT-rid) fungus and ranavirus. A third, discovered more recently, is called Severe Perkinsea Infection. Ranavirus has caused mass die-offs in 25 U.S. states and on five continents since the 1960s. It hits tadpoles and salamander larvae hardest. Up to nine out of ten can die, and thousands have been found dead at once in affected ponds. Severe Perkinsea Infection, or SPI, kills up to 95 percent of the animals it infects.
This lesson is part of Certified Junior Herpetologist. Enrollment is self-paced, with no deadline to finish (about 30 hours).
