Dominica's unique mountain chicken frog, scientifically known as Leptodactylus fallax, has vanished from the island in record time in a devastating ecological tragedy that serves as a clear warning about the fragility of our planet's fauna.
This species was cherished as a national dish two decades ago, with islanders and tourists often feasting on it. Today, the silence of the vanished frog reverberates through Dominica's forests.
What Scientists Found Out
The Guardian tells us that according to the most recent survey by scientists, the mountain chicken frog population has dwindled to a shocking mere 21 individuals, marking one of the swiftest extinctions of a wild species ever documented.
"This is an amazing animal," stated Andrew Cunningham, the head of wildlife epidemiology for the Zoological Society London (ZSL), describing a species that could grow up to 20cm in length and weigh over a kilo.
The mountain chicken frog played an essential role in Dominica's ecosystem as a top predator, consuming insects, small mammals, snakes, and other frogs.
The Rapid Decline of the Frog Population
Older reports tell us that the dire fate of these creatures began with the emergence of a chytrid fungus in the last century. This insidious pathogen infects the frogs' skin, through which they drink and breathe, causing lethargy and ultimately leading to their untimely demise.
The fungus has been responsible for significant amphibian declines globally, but Dominica experienced unprecedented devastation. Within 18 months of its appearance in 2002, the fungus obliterated 80% of the island's mountain chicken frogs.
Despite the early warning signs, the nearby island of Montserrat failed to introduce adequate quarantine measures, allowing the fungus to infect the frog population there in 2009.
Fortunately, some of the island's mountain chicken frogs were rescued and relocated to bio-secure enclosures in European zoos, including London's, ensuring the survival of at least a few individuals.
Read Also: Over 2 Million Fungi Species Await Discovery, but 75% at Risk of Extinction: Report
A Glimmer of Hope
However, a glimmer of hope soon turned to despair when Hurricane Maria struck Dominica in 2017, losing over 90% of the remaining frog population.
This devastating blow left the resilient but critically endangered mountain chicken frog in a precarious position. There are zoo collections of the species from Montserrat, but they are not resistant to the chytrid fungus, limiting their potential for reintroduction. Meanwhile, the resistant Dominica population clings to existence in just two small, unprotected habitats.
Adding to the frogs' woes, climate change is taking its toll on both Dominica and Montserrat, exacerbating their struggle for survival. Yet, amidst this grim scenario, some experts remain cautiously optimistic.
Experts warned that the chytrid fungus is likely to persist, making it difficult for the mountain chicken frog to return to the menu anytime soon.
Stay posted here at Tech Times.
Related Article: UK Scientists Unveil Traps to Battle Against Invasive Chinese Mitten Crabs
