The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs: A Scientific Mystery
by Sandra Markle
Millbrook Press, 2012. 48 pgs. Nonfiction.
When Panama's beautiful and unique golden frogs began to die in droves, biologists leaped into action. The dead frogs had unusual sacs on their skin, which turned out to be symptomatic of the terrible chytrid fungus which can wipe out total populations of frogs in a very short time. Healthy frogs were quickly captured and isolated from the general populations, and not a minute too soon, since wild golden frogs are now effectively extinct in Panama. Only those in zoos and scientific laboratories have survived. Frogs around the world are in trouble and since they are a bellwether species--one that reflects the health of the environment--entire ecosystems are in danger as well. Markle's book about this particular and very beautiful species of frog is both fascinating and alarming. There is information at the end of the book about the search for a cure for chytrid fungus, and about how to protect local habitats.
by Sandra Markle
Millbrook Press, 2012. 48 pgs. Nonfiction.
When Panama's beautiful and unique golden frogs began to die in droves, biologists leaped into action. The dead frogs had unusual sacs on their skin, which turned out to be symptomatic of the terrible chytrid fungus which can wipe out total populations of frogs in a very short time. Healthy frogs were quickly captured and isolated from the general populations, and not a minute too soon, since wild golden frogs are now effectively extinct in Panama. Only those in zoos and scientific laboratories have survived. Frogs around the world are in trouble and since they are a bellwether species--one that reflects the health of the environment--entire ecosystems are in danger as well. Markle's book about this particular and very beautiful species of frog is both fascinating and alarming. There is information at the end of the book about the search for a cure for chytrid fungus, and about how to protect local habitats.
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