In an unprecedented and perplexing discovery, a live frog in India has been observed with a mushroom sprouting from its skin, presenting a bizarre phenomenon that has left scientists scratching their heads.
The frog, identified as Rao’s intermediate golden-backed frog (Hylarana intermedia), was spotted amidst a group of its conspecifics, showcasing a white stalk and gray cap emerging from its left flank. The astonishing find was made during an expedition led by Lohit Y.T., a river and wetlands specialist at World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India, in the foothills of the Kudremukh ranges.
While the exact species of the fungus remains uncertain, mycologists suggest it could belong to the genus Mycena. Lohit and co-author Chinmay C Maliye documented this unprecedented encounter in a recent study published in the journal Reptiles and Amphibians.
Speculation abounds regarding the origin of the fungus on the frog’s body, with some proposing it could have arisen from an infection or wound. However, without further investigation, the mystery persists as to whether the fungus grew internally or externally on the frog’s skin.
Despite the peculiar appearance, the fungus does not appear to be detrimental to the frog’s health, and no other visible injuries were observed. Nevertheless, the unprecedented nature of this encounter raises questions about potential implications for amphibian health and conservation efforts.
While amphibians have been known to fall victim to pathogenic fungi in the past, such as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which causes the deadly skin disease chytridiomycosis, the discovery of a fungus growing on a frog presents a novel scenario that warrants further investigation.
Rao’s intermediate golden-backed frogs, native to the Western Ghats of India, are diminutive creatures that play a crucial role in their ecosystem. Meanwhile, Mycena species, commonly referred to as bonnet mushrooms, typically thrive on decaying organic matter, though recent research suggests they may also colonize living plants under certain conditions.
The enigmatic relationship between the frog and the fungus underscores the intricate complexities of nature, leaving researchers intrigued and eager to unravel the mysteries hidden within the natural world. As scientific inquiry continues, this peculiar encounter serves as a poignant reminder of the boundless wonders awaiting discovery in the realm of biodiversity.
