According to The Weekly Observer, a highly infectious disease is threatening global frog population. Researchers claim that these infections are the result of protists, single-celled microorganisms that store genetic information in a nucleus. These protists act as a parasite on tadpoles, eventually feeding in the tadpoles’ livers. Protists are part of a large, diverse group of microorganisms. After further investigation, the researchers have ruled that protists belong to Perkinsea, a parasitic group.

The researchers have tested tadpoles from six nations in three different continents, and have concluded that amphibians are the most threatened animal group on the planet. In 2008, 32% of frog species were classified as threatened or extinct and 42% were listed as being in decline.

According to Dr. Tom Richard, “Global frog populations are suffering serious declines and infectious disease has been shown to be a significant factor. We now need to figure out if this novel microbe causes significant disease and could be contributing to the frog population declines.”

Dr. Richards also said that their study has unveiled new knowledge about an earlier microbial group that infects tadpole livers in frog populations across the world. Furthermore, the research suggests that these ecological threats to frogs are also faced by salamanders and other amphibians.