Biology

Mystery of why some toads survive deadly fungus revealed

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Researchers from UCL, ZSL, and Imperial College London have identified why certain amphibian populations are able to recover after outbreaks of a deadly fungal disease. The study solves a longstanding question about the variable survival rates observed in toad populations exposed to this pathogenic fungus. The research reveals mechanisms that allow some populations to develop resistance or tolerance to the fungal infection.


Understanding the factors that enable amphibian recovery from fungal outbreaks could inform conservation strategies for threatened amphibian species worldwide. This knowledge may help scientists predict which populations are most likely to survive and guide targeted intervention efforts to protect vulnerable amphibian biodiversity.


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The mystery of why some amphibian populations recover following outbreaks of a deadly fungus has been solved in a new study led by University College London (UCL), ZSL and Imperial College London.

Source: Mystery of why some toads survive deadly fungus revealed