African clawed frog Xenopus laevis
Research
This frog is found in Africa and was introduced in Europe in the 50s, where they’ve been used for research and as pets. Accidental escapes and releases are putting local amphibians at risk due to their voracious behaviour and easy adaptation to many habitats. But they're also an important vector and the initial source of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis fungus that causes mortal infections. The African clawed frogs can carry the fungus but it doesn't appear to affect them.
The Bd fungus is responsible for mass mortality and extinction of amphibian species. It causes Chytrid infection in all species of amphibian, especially toads in the Bufonidae family. It's believed that its origin is in Africa and the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis used mainly for research could have been the main carrier.
Do we really have everything under control?
The common toad is widespread in Europe, northern Eurasia and North Africa. Although this species is very common in Europe, there are some localised declines. The deadly chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused local extinctions and has put the common toad and other amphibian species at risk.
Africa / Mortal fungus
A tiny accident could cause a very serious threat
Native species / Europe / Protected / Declining populations
Conservation and research activities are indispensable and contribute to improving the knowledge of reptiles and amphibians and their protection. Every human activity may lead to accidents, that's why biosafety and biosecurity are so important.
This fungus has driven more than 200 amphibian species to extinction
Exotic species / Africa / Legal / Mortal fungus carrier
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Bd
Common toad Bufo bufo