WASHINGTON — After years of silence, the rhythmic dee-dee-deeps of frogs and toads are returning in parts of Panama. A deadly fungal disease devastated amphibians in Central America more than a decade ago, quieting some mountain streams. In El Cope, Panama, at least four species disappeared including the red-striped Rio San Juan robber frog. But after testing old and new disease samples on frogs, they found the disease was as dangerous as ever. The fungal disease attacks their skin secretions and recently the frogs showed a two- to five-fold improvement in the amphibians’ ability to limit the fungus’ growth.

Source: National Post March 29, 2018 18:04 UTC