Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
Sunbathing tree frogs may hold the key to understanding how a deadly fungus is wiping out amphibians around the world. The chytrid fungus has been implicated in many amphibian extinctions.
Now scientists are using non-invasive imaging technology to find out how some frogs from Central America may be able to beat this deadly disease.
They believe that the frogs’ unusual skin is allowing the animals to bask in hot sunlight, possibly boosting their temperatures to kill off the fungus.
Most frogs avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight; the light and heat dry out their skin. However, some tree frogs from Costa Rica thrive in these conditions. (more…)
Posted in Costa Rica News | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
The protection of dolphins and whales in Costa Rican waters is becoming a profitable business for the country. On the one hand, it confirms the commitment of the nation with the environment and, on the other, it means bread on the table for many people particularly fishermen turned tour guides who make a living from whale watching. According to the environmentalist organization PROMAR, that particular type of tourism generated $5.32 million, 42 times the amount recorded in 1990, when the activity began in Costa Rica. Scientists say that this should not come as a surprise, since Costa Rican waters are home to 29 –or 34 percent– of the 85 species of cetaceans known around the world.
Posted in Costa Rica News | No Comments »
