Environment & Ecology
Context: Ecologists at Michigan State University (MSU) and collaborators in Ecuador have found 32 species of an amphibian genus — Atelopus or harlequin frogs — still surviving in the wild.
- Since the 1980s, a fungus called Bd — short for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis — has been killing off members of more than 500 species of amphibians.
- Humans are responsible for the spread the fungus around the world.
- The harlequin frog genus was hit exceptionally hard by the fungus.
- Over the past four decades 80 per cent of its species were driven to extinction.
About Atelopus:
- Atelopus is a large genus of Bufonidae, commonly known as harlequin frogs or toads, from Central and South America, ranging as far north as Costa Rica and as far south as Bolivia.
- Atelopus species are small, generally brightly coloured, and diurnal.
- Most species are associated with mid-to-high elevation streams.
- This genus has been greatly affected by amphibian declines, and many species are now considered endangered, while others already are extinct.
- While threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and introduced species, the primary cause of these declines appears to be the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.
Source: DownToEarth
Previous Year Question
Q.1) Which of the following is not a bird? (2022)
- Golden Mahseer
- Indian Nightjar
- Spoonbill
- White Ibis
Q.2) Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of
fungi? (2022)
- Ant
- Cockroach
- Crab
- Spider
