Humans & Frogs: How our similarities to frogs could be key to protecting them from disease

The relict leopard frog once inhabited aquatic ecosystems in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada but since, populations have experienced a drastic decline and now they only occur naturally in two general areas both in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This decline was likely due to various factors such as habitat destruction, alteration of disturbance regimes, and the introduction of non-native predators and competitors. We, however, have found that the decline may have also been facilitated by an emergent disease (ie: chytrid fungus). I will explain how we can exploit our physiological similarities to these frogs and, other species of frogs globally, to develop disease mitigation approaches and save frogs from population decline and/or extinction.

Anthony Waddle is a research assistant with UNLV. Over the past few years he has done extensive research into local frog populations with a focus on how to prevent their decline. March 1st we welcome him back to provide us with details on his continued research and what he has found out in the field since he last spoke with us. This will be an insightful lecture you won't want to miss.

We will see you there!

Every first Thursday of the month, Friends of Nevada Wilderness hosts a local environmental expert at REI Boca Park in their Community Room. Doors open at 6:45 giving you enough time to socialize and grab a snack before the presentation begins at 7 pm.

Please join us at REI Boca Park every first Thursday for a new speaker every month!