Discovering the skin-eating fungus capable of exterminating many animals

Experts say that the fungus, after clinging to the skin, is ingrained into the respiratory organs, destroying the breathing holes and sucking water from the amphibian.

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Researchers have recently discovered a dangerous skin-eating fungus called Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, which threatens the extinction of many natural salamanders in the North American continent.

Through research, many experts predict that it is the trade of wild animals that inadvertently spread this scary European-originated fungus into other areas.

This fungus threatens the life of many salamanders in nature

A team of researchers said that Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans were first discovered in Europe in late 2013, they destroyed salamanders in the Netherlands, Belgium and spread to other European countries.

By examining about 5,400 samples of 150 species of amphibians in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa, experts understand the "killer" mechanism of this fungus.

Wildlife trade has spread the dangerous mushroom species

After entering the skin, the Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans fungus will save and directly attack the skin, ingesting into the respiratory organs, destroying the breathing holes and sucking water of the amphibian species.

Matthew Fisher, professor of epidemiology at Imperial College London, said: "This fungus is really dangerous, they not only threaten amphibians but through it, adversely affect the environment. and is a potential risk for the people of Europe, Africa and beyond ".

Lead researcher Martel of Ghent University (Belgium) shared: "The uncontrolled trade around the world will make this mushroom spread faster. If mushrooms come to the United States, there will be billions of salamanders. , another frog . disappeared in the world, most likely many species will be extinct. "

About 30-50% of amphibians can become extinct because of this fungus

Research by scientists also said that about 30 - 50% of the 6,000 amphibians in the world can be extinct due to poisonous mushrooms. In particular, climate change also creates conditions for these poisonous mushrooms to grow faster and more dangerous.

Ecologist Karen Lips of the University of Maryland emphasized: "Climate impacts will affect the development of fungi, the United States is one of the countries with the largest biodiversity in the world so it is also here. become "hot spot" to be noticed by salamanders ".