Neave Moore
HUNDREDS of frogs have mysteriously died at Bool Lagoon, with authorities searching for a cause.
The lagoon, located south of Naracoorte, was closed to the public by the Department of Environment and Water in an effort to investigate a mass frog mortality event happening at the site.
Discussion on a local Facebook group in late August had residents and tourists questioning why the lagoon was closed for visitors with no signage explaining the decision.
Department for Environment and Water Principal Ecologist Dr Karl Hillyard said that it is estimated that hundreds of frogs, in particular the striped marsh frog and the endangered southern bell frog, had died in what he termed as an “unusual event” for Bool Lagoon.
“The cause of the deaths has yet to be determined and, as a precautionary measure, the campground and walking trains are temporarily closed while investigations take place,” he said.
“National parks staff are regularly attending the site to monitor conditions, including for the prevalence of dead frogs.”
Dr Hillyard said that while the cause of death was not confirmed, it is believed to involve the chytrid fungus, an infectious fungal disease that is fatal to amphibians.
“Further testing is underway to investigate other possible causes of the deaths,” he said.
The Department of Environment and Water issued permission for a sample of the deceased frogs to be collected for testing and the results are being analysed by department staff and frog experts.
“The closure will be reviewed later this week, and the department will look to reopen the campground and walks when it is suitable to do so,” he said.
“Our regular monitoring at the site indicates the number of frog deaths has been reducing each week.
“There remains evidence of active frog populations, which is a good sign.”
As of Tuesday, August 29, the closure of the Bool would last until Thursday August 31 depending on the investigations progress.
When the Bool Lagoon is reopened to the public, Dr Hillyard said that people can help reduce the potential spread of disease by staying on designated paths.
“People should also clean their footwear after visiting the site by drying shoes or boots for a minimum of three hours, or cleaning them with water and one per cent bleach for a minimum of one minute,” Dr Hillyard said.
“Ideally, people should visit only one wetland site per day and follow the above decontamination advice.
“If you find more than five dead frogs, please email details to wildlife@sa.gov.au.”
