A conservation biologist's dream of improving endangered species survival 

  Host: Dr Anthony Waddle

  Thursday 21 May 2026, 6.15pm – 7.30pm 

  Venue TBC, Macquarie University

Overview

In the late 20th century, scientists around the world became alarmed by the sudden collapse of frog populations. Decades later the cause was identified as chytrid, a fungal pathogen. No invasive species has caused comparable destruction: chytrid has affected hundreds of species worldwide and driven at least 90 to extinction, surpassing the impacts of cats, rats, and cane toads. 

Chytrid spreads through microscopic spores that actively swim toward frogs using flagella. Once contact is made, the fungus penetrates the skin, disrupting vital physiological functions and placing fatal stress on the heart. After invading an ecosystem, chytrid cannot be eradicated, leaving many susceptible species dependent on captivity to avoid extinction. 

Anthony's research focuses on increasing frog resistance to chytrid through vaccination strategies, artificial "frog sauna" shelters that allow frogs to clear infections, and molecular approaches to engineer genetic resistance in endangered species. Crucially, his team not only develops these tools but deploys them in real time to protect declining wild populations. Most conservation biologists only dream of seeing their work make a difference in wild populations and this team is doing just that. 

Biography

Dr Anthony Waddle is a Schmidt Science Fellow in Macquarie University's Faculty of Science and Engineering School of Applied BioSciences. He is a conservation biologist focusing on the amphibian disease chytridiomycosis. 

He is an ambassador for frogs and their importance, often in the media spreading the word. Anthony is originally from fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada and credits his early immersion in this world of entertainment for his charisma in science communication - Like Elvis if he was a scientist that could sing like a frog. 

Contact Us

For more details about the series, contact us at fse.outreach@mq.edu.au.