Chytridiomycosis is an infectious disease in amphibians caused by the chytrid fungi, Batrachochytrium dendrobatids (Bd). This fungus has been linked to population decline and extinctions of amphibians world-wide. In Australia, both the Southern and Northern Gastric-brooding frogs are amongst several species thought to be extinct due to the fungus. Many other Australian species including the Southern Corroboree frog and the Baw Baw frog are now facing extinction due to infection.

Note: Max 50 students per day

What is Chytrid Fungus and how can it be managed or treated in amphibian species?

No prior knowledge required.

In this program students will:

• Explain what chytrid fungus is and how it affects frogs
• Understand how CF attacks frog’s skin and interferes with normal body functions
• Identify why some frogs are more susceptible to CF than others
• Explain how chytrid spreads through the environment
• Design solutions that could help reduce the spread of CF.

In this program students will:

• Be introduced to frog species we have at Ecolinc
• Take part in a scenario based program
• Participate in an escape room activity about fungi
• Participate in an interactive game about why some frogs are more susceptible to the disease than others and their importance in the ecosystem
• Swab frogs for the disease
• Design an experiment to investigate how the disease is spread
• Brain storm what can be done to address the issue
• Design a frog sauna
• Visit Ecolinc’s frog sauna and collect data on frogs that are presentVictoria’s native grasslands and receive a Grassland Guardian Badge.

Science – Science Understanding

• Infectious and non-infectious diseases are caused by different organisms and agents; measures to control the transmission of infectious diseases include personal hygiene, quarantine protocols, medical treatment and public education programs (VC2S10U03)