amphibian chytrid fungus

Amphibian chytrid fungus, scientifically known as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, is a microscopic pathogen that infects the skin of amphibians such as frogs, toads, and salamanders. Since their skin plays a vital role in respiration and maintaining water balance, the infection can disrupt these processes, often leading to sickness or death. This fungus spreads through water and contaminated habitats, contributing to significant declines and extinctions of amphibian populations worldwide. Efforts to monitor, manage, and research chytrid fungus are crucial for conserving vulnerable amphibian species and maintaining healthy ecosystems.