What is causing the decline of frog populations in Panama?

The decline of frog populations in Panama is being caused by a deadly fungus called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which has affected over 500 amphibian species globally.

How has the disappearance of frogs impacted the spread of malaria in the region?

The disappearance of frogs, which eat mosquito larvae, has led to a fivefold increase in malaria cases in Panama and Costa Rica over the past decade, as mosquito populations have surged without their natural predators.

What is the Panamanian golden frog, and why is it important?

The Panamanian golden frog is a national icon and symbol of good luck in Panama. Biologists are working to save this endangered species, as well as other frog species, through captive breeding programs to prevent their complete extinction.

Home / Environment / Frogs Vanish, Malaria Surges: The Unexpected Ecological Ripple Effect

Frogs Vanish, Malaria Surges: The Unexpected Ecological Ripple Effect

14 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Frog populations crash due to deadly fungus, leading to spike in malaria cases
Researchers race to rescue endangered frog species in Panama
Frogs' disappearance disrupts ecosystems, with cascading effects on other species

In the past few years, a devastating fungal disease has swept through Central America, wiping out frog populations and triggering a surge in malaria cases. Biologists are now in a race against time to save endangered species like the Panamanian golden frog before they vanish entirely.

The fungus, known as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis or Bd, has affected over 500 amphibian species globally, driving at least 90 to the brink of extinction. As the disease spread eastward through Panama, researchers scrambled to rescue as many frogs as possible, establishing a captive breeding program to prevent the complete loss of several species.