In a race against time, Anthony Waddle, a conservation biologist, is using cutting-edge techniques to protect amphibians from a deadly fungal disease that has already wiped out 90 species and threatens hundreds more. Waddle’s innovative experiments, including building specialized “saunas” for endangered green and golden bell frogs and exploring the potential of synthetic biology, offer a glimmer of hope in the face of the global amphibian extinction crisis.
Waddle’s passion for amphibians was ignited at a young age, when he spent childhood afternoons captivated by the sight of tadpoles swimming in a desert reservoir. This early fascination has now blossomed into a mission to save these crucial creatures, which play a vital role in the planet’s ecosystem.
The chytrid fungus, a temperature-sensitive pathogen, has ravaged frog populations worldwide. Determined to find a solution, Waddle and his team began experimenting with “frog saunas” – small greenhouses made of masonry bricks that provided a warm, protected environment for the endangered green and golden bell frogs. The results were promising, as the frogs that spent the winter in these shelters were less likely to succumb to the infectious fungus.
Buoyed by this success, Waddle has expanded his efforts, exploring the potential of immunisation and synthetic biology to protect a wider range of amphibian species. One of his larger projects involves raising and vaccinating hundreds of green and golden bell frogs for release into the wild, a move that could significantly bolster their dwindling populations.
For species that cannot be vaccinated, such as the critically endangered southern corroboree frog, Waddle and his team are experimenting with gene replacement – a controversial but potentially groundbreaking approach to conservation. “We want to test it in as many Australian species as we can,” Waddle says, “with the idea that if it works in a lot of species in Australia that are at different conservation levels, different ecologies, it could be the solution, and we could share it around the world.”
While the challenges are daunting, Waddle remains optimistic, driven by the excitement of potential breakthroughs. “Usually if I can’t sleep, it’s something exciting,” he says, grinning. “I can’t wait to see what happens in that experiment tomorrow, if these frogs are going to have the gene.”
Australian herpetologist and conservationist Dr. Jodi Rowley calls Waddle’s work “a ray of hope in amphibian conservation,” noting that with over 40% of all amphibian species threatened with extinction, innovative and cutting-edge strategies are desperately needed to turn the tide.
As the race against the clock continues, Anthony Waddle’s dedication and scientific ingenuity offer a glimmer of hope for the survival of these remarkable creatures, which hold the key to unlocking new medical breakthroughs and maintaining the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems.
