Survey flags up wildlife decline in Panama jungles

A study being carried out in Panama aimed at finding out the cause for large-scale amphibian decline in the country's jungles and forests has found that many species studied suffered from a disease which has blighted almost 100 frog species around the world.

According to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation (PARC) Project has found that many of the species they collected on a trip last month displayed symptoms of a fungal infection which has "devastated" the globe's frog population.

Commenting on the project, director of the Panama National Environmental Authority Javier Arias said that amphibian species are "an important part of the cultural and biodiversity heritage" of the country.

The authority also recently announced it will financially back the project, with a donation of $150,000 (£92,000).

Panama is home to the Panama Canal rainforests, as well as the Soberania National Park. According to Panama Info, the country's rainforests are home to some 105 mammal species and 525 different types of bird.

Written by Helen Montag.

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