We previously reported on imperiled harlequin toads (Atelopus) – the poster child of global amphibian declines. This diverse and species-rich group of Central and South American amphibians has been dramatically affected by habitat loss and particularly invasive Emerging Infectious Diseases. Originating from Asia and spread by human activities globally, the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) has led to the near-extinction of the vast majority of harlequin toads, even within untouched Andean forests. Harlequin toads are particularly highly susceptible to this disease and have vanished from most of their historical habitats. Mitigating disease to conserve and safeguard our amphibian diversity is challenging, as amphibian resistance to the chytrid fungus is rarely observed.

In an effort to unravel this enigma, a team led by Habitats‘ cofounder, Amadeus Plewnia set out earlier this year to explore these resilient amphibian communities. Partnering with local researchers, conservationists, and indigenous communities, we explored remote cloud forests and paramo ecosystems to collect data on the chytrid fungus’s presence, distribution, and infection intensity. With the samples collected, we hope to reconstruct local pathogen attenuation and set the baseline for follow-up expeditions and research endeavors.