Scientists in India have discovered a rare frog with a mushroom sprouting from its side, a phenomenon never seen before in the animal kingdom.
The discovery of frog mushroom growth
The frog, identified as Rao’s Intermediate Golden-backed Frog (Hylarana intermedia), was found in a pond in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in India. The mushroom, identified as a Bonnet Mushroom, is typically found on rotting wood and feeds on nonliving organic matter.
The researchers, affiliated with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), described their discovery in the journal Reptiles and Amphibians. They said they were baffled and intrigued by the unusual sight, as they did not know how the mushroom started growing on the frog or how it affected its health.
They speculated that the humid and monsoon-fed environment of the Western Ghats may have provided ideal conditions for mushroom growth, but they could not capture the frog for further examination.
The theories
The discovery has attracted attention from experts around the world, who have offered various theories and explanations for the phenomenon. Some suggested that the mushroom may have been accidentally attached to the frog by a bird or an insect, while others proposed that the frog may have been injured and infected by fungal spores.
However, without further investigation, the mystery remains unsolved. The researchers hope that their finding will inspire more studies on the interactions between fungi and animals.
The implications
The researchers also raised concern about the possible impact of fungal infections on amphibian populations, which are already threatened by a deadly fungus called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.
This fungus causes a disease called chytridiomycosis, which can kill amphibians by disrupting their skin functions. It has been linked to massive declines and extinctions of amphibian species around the world.
The researchers urged for more conservation efforts to protect amphibians in India, which host a rich diversity of species and play important roles in maintaining ecological balance.
Recent Blog : Hybrid Food: Beef Cells Cultivated in Rice Grains