Amphibians are in trouble
Since the 1980s, amphibians have been declining all over the world.
One of the reasons is the emergence of a new epidemic disease, called chytridiomycosis, which is now considered to be a major cause of amphibian population declines and extinctions world-wide.
The cause 
Dead Mountain chicken
Chytridiomycosis is a fungal disease that infects the skin of frogs and other amphibians. The fungus can only be seen under a microscope. In some cases, skin sores (ulcers), reddening and sloughing (shedding) of the skin can be seen.
Disease outbreaks
Outbreaks of this disease can have devastating effects on amphibian populations; in Central America, Australia the USA and Europe the disease has caused catastrophic declines of amphibians. As far as we know, only amphibians are at risk from this disease.