Asheley Atkin

Chytrid fungus causes a disease that attacks the keratin in amphibian skin and damages their nervous systems. Over the summer of 2022, we swabbed local Baja tree frogs throughout Washington County, Utah then performed PCR to determine if there was any chytrid present. There was no chytrid found on any of the frogs swabbed. Since chytrid cannot live above 23°C, any chytrid that may have been in the area likely died due to the high temperatures experienced locally. We believe this explains the persistence of Baja tree frogs in the area.