Researchers release hundreds of endangered toads in Wyoming

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By MEAD GRUVER

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The release of more than 900 Wyoming toads in a valley Wednesday could lay the groundwork for helping the critically endangered species and other amphibians resist a devastating fungus, researchers say.

Researchers usually release Wyoming toads in the wild as tadpoles. The release of hundreds of fully grown captive-bred toads is a new tactic as scientists seek ways to counter chytrid fungus.

Chytrid has devastated hundreds of amphibian species worldwide since its discovery in the late 1990s. Some call chytrid the worst known infectious disease because it imperils so many species.

"Since chytrid fungus cannot be eradicated in the environment, our hope is that these adult animals will have a stronger immune system and be more resilient against chytrid in the wild than their younger counterparts," said Lizzy Mack, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service scientist who specializes in the Wyoming toad.

FULL story & more photos at link.


A toad sits at the Buford Foundation Ranch, one of three locations volunteers and members of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gathered at on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, to release adult Wyoming toads from the Saratoga National Fish Hatchery as part of the 2014 Cooperative Recovery Initiative project, near Laramie, Wyo. Wildlife officials are releasing more than 900 toads in Wyoming, saying they could help researchers find ways for the endangered species and other amphibians to resist a devastating fungus. (Jeremy Martin/Laramie Daily Boomerang via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/6a1771b555df47609875587e082d497f/hundreds-toads-hop-free-offering-hope-risk-animal

[Dustlawyer]

1. Further degradation of our environment.

We act like we have no negative effect on our environment, like we can do as we want. Most of us work so hard that we don't want to think about changes in lifestyles. Meanwhile, all along the Gulf Coast when the water gets warm, first seen usually in August until it started appearing earlier, June last year.. A deadly bacteria, antibiotic resistant, that eats flesh and if it gets into your blood system you are toast!

Caused by the runoff of pesticides, fertilizer, oil... It mixes into this deadly stew and attacks those with open wounds and weakened immune systems. I looked forward to playing with my grandkids at the beach, where for generations, my family has been taking the 50 mile drive to the coast. We dare not risk it now.

This is happening before our eyes that our planet is not well.

[Dont call me Shirley]

2. I hope monsanto's pesticide doesn't kill them off.

[Judi Lynn]

3. Let's hope these little guys can make it. They are innocent, non-threatening critters. n/t

[Dont call me Shirley]

4. Frogs and toads are a signal of the health of the environment.

[Omaha Steve]

7. We have a couple toad houses that are used in our yard

I posted this photo of one last year. I was mowing and scared him out of it. Look close he is in the picture.

[Dont call me Shirley]

8. Spotted him right away. He's a cutie! Is that his house? The toads come out of nowhere when

the monsoon hits here in New Mexico.

[Omaha Steve]

9. He was in the house until I scared him out of it while mowing

I make every effort to not hit toads, snakes, etc with the mower.

[Dont call me Shirley]

10. I hope he didn't scare you while you were mowing!...

[ReRe]

5. Release the toads!

Wonder how they're going to monitor their progress at surviving the fungus? Idea: an implanted chip, which on a master board shows up as a little red light while the toad is living. If it dies, the light goes out.

[ancianita]

6. Hope they know what they're doing. For so many species, these lil guys are soft tacos.