UCLA biologists find Yosemite toad killer hiding in underground burrows
UCLA researchers discovered that a fungus killing Yosemite toads spreads while the animals hibernate in their own underground burrows during winter.
Fungus grows on dry land
Scientists previously believed the Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis fungus infected toads only when they were in water. The new study shows major outbreaks occur and spread during winter hibernation on land instead. High infection rates appeared in toads that had been healthy before emerging from their burrows.
Study changes conservation plans
These findings contrast with the long-held assumption that breeding season in water is the high-risk period for infection. The discovery has directly informed a captive-rearing and reintroduction program at Yosemite National Park. Researchers published their results in a paper titled Functional Ecology.
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