

It also features information on which parasites have been recorded in different hosts and, for well-studied species, maps of their geographic distribution.

The website currently includes information on a wide range of parasites found in different freshwater hosts and detailed information on their identification, taxonomy, life cycle, and pathology, if known. In cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, we examined parasites of amphibians collected across National Wildlife Refuges in the United States, which formed the initial nucleus of APO. This effort was initially launched to examine the role of infectious agents for amphibians, which have become the most threatened class of vertebrates worldwide due in part to infectious disease threats. The purpose behind the Aquatic Parasite Observatory is to investigate infections and their consequences for freshwater taxa, with a focus on amphibians, birds, snails, and fishes. Infections ranging from salmonid whirling disease to crayfish plague have had devastating effects in managed and wild populations of freshwater organisms. Ongoing emergence of infectious diseases in wildlife has prompted renewed interest in the effects of disease on conservation.

Johnson and Freshwaters Illustrated footage
#Eductional parasite game series
"Weirdest Events Episode 6" BBC Series features Dr. New videos and projects are currently in development so stay tuned!įreshwaters Illustrated Deformed Frog Page Through our ongoing working relationship, we have highlighted the ghastly nature of frog deformities and the critical role of parasite infection in driving such abnormalities, producing both high quality imagery and video vignettes that have been used extensively by educators, media outlets, and conservation groups. They work tirelessly to bring the world of freshwater to life – using imagery and video to capture the cryptic but fascinating interactions unfolding within ponds, lakes, and rivers, sometimes in our own backyards. We have cultivated a close collaboration with Freshwaters Illustrated, a multimedia non-profit organization devoted to the conservation of freshwater organisms and their habitats. The Life Aquatic: Freshwaters Illustrated Your reports are often very useful and greatly appreciated however, for your safety and that of the animal we advise against getting too close to or handling any sick or diseased animals.Īdditional information on amphibian deformities ( downloadable brochure)

#Eductional parasite game how to
To learn more about malformations in amphibians, how to identify species, or to report a malformation observation in your area, visit Malformation Nation. Recognizing the importance of these reports, we have worked closely with FieldScope and the National Geographic Society to develop a citizen science platform through which people can easily report their observations and learn more about deformed frogs.īecause the online interface includes data from locations across the United States, including over 30 amphibian species, school groups and interested researchers can also use the database to map patterns of deformities by type, by time, or by frequency. Many, if not most, observations of abnormal amphibians originate with kids, who pass along their observations to parents and, in turn, to scientists. This is especially true for deformed frogs. They are often the eyes and the ears for detecting and reporting emerging phenomena. Members of the public – and children in particular – play a key role in our scientific community. Citizen Science: Introducing Malformation Nation
