A devastating fungal threat to Australia's iconic reptiles has researchers on high alert.
The eastern water dragons of Brisbane, an iconic species, are under attack from a mysterious fungus, Nannizziopsis barbatae, which is causing concern among Queensland researchers. This fungus, which leads to skin lesions and lethargy, has the potential to decimate Australia's diverse reptile population.
A long-term study has revealed a single case of the fungus spreading to approximately half of the Roma Street Parklands population over a decade. PhD candidate Sam Gallagher-Becker describes the fungus as a ruthless predator, consuming the keratin in reptiles' scales and causing lesions that can lead to limb loss and even death.
"It's a horrific sight to see these animals covered in lesions, unable to move or eat," Gallagher-Becker said.
But here's where it gets controversial: the disease isn't confined to a single area or species. Outbreaks have been documented as far as Dubbo and Perth, and researchers have found higher levels of the disease in some areas compared to Brisbane.
The origin of the fungus remains a mystery, and its potential impact is a major concern. If it's an introduced pathogen, the effects could be devastating for Australia's unique reptile species.
Associate Professor Celine Frere calls it a "national emergency." With over a thousand reptile species in Australia, 90% of which are endemic, the potential impact of this fungal pathogen is immense.
"We're dealing with a disease that has no treatment and can impact the majority of our reptile species," Frere said.
And this is the part most people miss: the potential impact on human populations. Dr. Jodi Rowley, curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology at the Australian Museum, highlights the understudied nature of wildlife diseases, especially in reptiles. With climate change and extreme weather events on the rise, fungal diseases are becoming an increasingly significant threat to both wildlife and human populations.
"It's not just about biodiversity; it's about our health too," Rowley said.
So, what can be done? Increased surveillance of wildlife is crucial to detect and respond to these threats, especially those introduced from overseas.
The question remains: will we act before it's too late? The fate of Australia's reptiles, and potentially our own health, hangs in the balance.
