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Science on Tap: The Silence of the Frogs: Emerging Infectious Disease & Amphibian Extinctions
September 26, 2018 @ 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Emerging fungal diseases have devastating effects on the abundance and the number of species of amphibians, bats, coral reefs, plants and snakes. For amphibians, a recently emerged fungus called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused population declines in hundreds, if not thousands, of species, including extinctions of many species. Because this disease persists in the environment and because it can infect all species of amphibians tested so far (more than 700 and counting!), effective conservation measures have not been found.
University of Maryland Biology Professor Karen Lips will discuss how species and populations vary in their response to this disease. With many ecological, climatic and genetic factors that can affect the outcome of infection, it can be difficult to make predictions. Because biologists have so little data on the natural population abundances of most species of amphibians, it is even difficult to estimate how much populations have declined and where to prioritize conservation efforts. Bd has been found on all continents (except Antarctica), but its history and its effects on native amphibian populations are poorly known for most areas and for most species. Battling other emerging fungal pathogens will require international collaboration, multidisciplinary research and a portfolio of conservation measures to protect biodiversity.
“Science on Tap” is a monthly lecture series at UMD that explores the latest discoveries in science and technology in a relaxed atmosphere with food and drink. The event is a partnership between the UMD College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, The Clarice and MilkBoy ArtHouse, a local crossroads for dynamic entertainment, social gathering and creative dining in downtown College Park, Maryland. This event is also sponsored by the UMD Science Alumni Network.
Doors open at 5:30pm; talk begins at 6:30pm. Food and beverages available for purchase. Happy hour specials until 7pm.
When: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 5:30pm – 8pm
Where: MilkBoy ArtHouse, 7416 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740
Cost: Free!
Registration: RSVP here. Space is limited!
Questions: email Abby Robinson at abbyr@umd.edu