Researchers in Australia have found that a form of sauna, a popular leisure activity for humans known for its health benefits, can help certain frog species combat the devastating fungal disease chytrid. Chytrid, which has infected over 500 species of frogs worldwide, thrives in cooler tropical climates but cannot survive at temperatures above 84°F (29°C). Anthony Waddle from Macquarie University has pioneered the use of “frog saunas”—simple unshaded black brick structures within artificial greenhouse habitats—to aid in the recovery of golden and green bell frogs from this deadly pathogen. In a study, frogs that frequented these warmer environments showed milder infections, demonstrating that access to these saunas significantly aids in fighting off the disease.
The effectiveness of these saunas is profound. Frogs that recovered using the saunas were found to be 23 times less likely to succumb to subsequent chytrid infections. This innovative approach, which can be easily implemented in gardens, not only helps the frogs survive outbreaks but also boosts the population’s overall resistance to the disease. Anthony Waddle noted that before chytrid, bell frogs were common in human habitats, and reestablishing these “sauna” habitats could help their populations rebound. However, this method is mainly beneficial for warm-weather species, as not all frogs tolerate high temperatures well. For species preferring cooler conditions, alternative solutions need to be explored to combat the chytrid threat.
