Frogs Get Sauna Heat To Fight Deadly Fungus

A groundbreaking conservation effort is using heated "frog saunas" to protect endangered amphibians from a deadly fungal disease. Researcher Anthony Waddle developed these simple, sun-heated structures that raise frog body temperatures to approximately 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), a threshold at which the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, cannot survive.

This method has proven effective for the green and golden bell frog, a species once common in New South Wales, Australia, but now critically threatened. When given the option, these heat-loving frogs preferentially used the artificial saunas over natural habitats, allowing them to shed the fungus and develop stronger immunity.

Studies indicate that frogs whose infections were cleared by heat were 23 times more likely to survive subsequent infections. This innovative, low-cost solution is being shared through a published guide to encourage widespread adoption.

While not suitable for all species, such as the alpine-dwelling corroboree frog, the sauna technique offers a vital lifeline. Alongside other interventions like antifungal baths, the goal is to preserve amphibian populations long enough for natural resistance to evolve, combating the worst infectious disease to impact vertebrate biodiversity.