The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute continues to be involved in research seeking ways to combat chytrid in wild populations. Now, there are several other treatments in use among captive amphibian collections. Scientists began developing a treatment - the same antifungal that is used to kill athletes' foot in humans can be used with the frogs and toads. Through their efforts, cutaneous chytridiomycosis was documented for the first time as a vertebrate pathogen. In 1999, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute scientists discovered a then-mysterious disease infecting and eventually killing poison arrow frogs and White's tree frogs. Like many other amphibian species, White's tree frogs are at risk due to a fungal disease. Despite this, they are threatened by pollution, by predation from domestic pets such as cats and dogs, habitat loss, by the international pet trade, and from inadvertent relocation of tadpoles and eggs when vegetation is harvested. White’s tree frog care is surprisingly straightforward, which makes them great entry-level frogs. White's tree frogs live in a broad range of habitats and seem to have a healthy population. Due to their appearance and low-maintenance care requirements, you’ll see these little critters in captivity quite often. ![]() During the hot summer months, they can appear on the verandas of homes, or actually enter homes, looking for moisture. The White’s tree frog is an adorable and friendly amphibian that’s quite a popular pet. They have been found in bathrooms, water tanks and city reservoirs. This frog's adaptability allows it to share suburban and agricultural areas with humans. In other forests, these frogs avoid desiccation in the dry season by taking refuge in tree hollows or secreting a milky substance called "caerviein." They cover their bodies in a cocoon that prevents them from losing too much moisture. White's tree frogs are not strictly limited to tropical rain forests. These places are replenished with water from the almost daily rains and the frogs always have a source of water to keep themselves moist. Rain collects on leaves, in cup-shaped plants and in crevices in tree trunks, allowing the frogs access to water. White's tree frogs do not typically live in or near water, but instead live in trees. They prefer moist, forested environments but have skin that can adjust to drier situations. ![]() ![]() These tree frogs can live in either seasonally dry or wet habitats. White's tree frog is native to Australia and southern New Guinea and has been introduced to New Zealand.
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