Frogs dying in massive numbers still baffle scientists. However, the changes in temperature resulting to habitat loss and the discovery of the deadly “chytridiomycosis” fungus in these amphibians have led scientists to conclude that global warming has brought about the near extinction of the mountain frogs.
Fungi are one-celled organisms that usually live as parasites. They are spore-like and we recognize them as mold, yeast or mushrooms and often times can be harmful since they are capable of carrying toxic substances. Based on researches, an increase in temperature will cause fungi decomposition to take place and will let off one-product of decomposition, carbon dioxide.
As scientists have foreseen, climate changes have created an impact not only on plant and animal life but in fungi and microbes as well. As evidenced by the findings in the case of the dying frogs, even the ancient microbial species have sprung back to life brought about by the global climate changes.
It has been established that the Sierra Nevada frogs are still on a rapid decline based on the last report of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). It was estimated that there are only about 122 of the adult yellow-legged species existing in the wilds. Today, the said frogs together with the Yosemite Toad and Southern California Red-legged toad, are included on the Endangered Species List in Southern California.
