ABSTRACT
Fungal diseases have been reported as important regulators of a number of groups of animals. Anuran populations have recently been shown to decline as a result of the effects of fungal pathogens (Kaiser, 1998; Morell, 1999; Lips, 1999; Reed et al., 2000; Warkentin et al., 2001; Fellers et al., 2001). These reports are of concern, especially as the decline in frogs appears to be greatest in the tropical regions (e.g., in Panama), in which efforts are underway to conserve biodiversity. Lips (1999) reported increasing numbers of dead frogs in her surveys over recent years. Frogs showed symptoms of fungal pathogens around the mouth and eyes. Previously, Kaiser (1998) and Morell (1999) reported an increase in the incidence of a chytrid fungal disease of frogs in Panama and in Australia to such an extent that Reed et al. (2000) consider this fungal group as an “emerging infectious disease.” Indeed, the outbreak of a variety of Chlamydia species that cause respiratory disease of African clawed frogs (Xenopus tropicalis) imported into the United States was so extensive that one breeding colony lost 90% of its individuals within 4 months (Reed et al., 2000). Reports do not indicate, however, that such losses in numbers of frogs within a population affect the community structure of frogs. This information is, however, very difficult to obtain without a complete understanding of frog metapopulation dynamics and niche overlap among species.
