Australia’s iconic reptiles are facing a silent but deadly threat, and it’s one we can’t afford to ignore. Imagine discovering a new, lethal fungal disease in the wild—one that could decimate our unique reptile populations. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario; it’s happening right now. In August 2024, a coastal carpet python was brought into a wildlife hospital in South East Queensland, leaving vets baffled by its mysterious condition. The snake’s damaged scales, crusted lesions, and unexplained fungal infection marked the beginning of a disturbing revelation.
But here’s where it gets even more alarming: Skin tests confirmed the presence of Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, a fungal pathogen linked to snake declines overseas. This was the first time it had been identified in free-ranging wild Australian snakes. Our research didn’t stop there—we uncovered two more novel fungal pathogens in skin samples from sick reptiles, all causing disfiguring lesions. Two of these threats were previously unknown in Australia’s wild reptile populations. This discovery is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities our wildlife faces.
Australia boasts the highest reptile diversity in the world, but many species are already in decline due to climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, and urbanization. And this is the part most people miss: While fungal infections rarely trouble warm-blooded animals, they can be catastrophic for cold-blooded reptiles and amphibians. The chytrid fungus, for instance, has driven waves of frog extinctions globally, including in Australia. Now, these new fungal threats could pose a similar risk to our reptiles.
In our study, we analyzed skin samples from ten sick reptiles between April 2023 and September 2024, including eastern water dragons, bearded dragons, bandy-bandy snakes, and coastal carpet pythons. Some had lesions so severe they couldn’t shed their skin properly, leading to extreme weakness and emaciation. Sadly, euthanasia was the only humane option for many. Our tests revealed three fungal pathogens from the Onygenaceae family, each with its own alarming story:
- Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (snake fungal disease) was detected for the first time in Australia’s wild snakes, affecting three native species.
- Nannizziopsis barbatae, known to infect lizards, was found in a snake for the first time globally.
- Paranannizziopsis spp. emerged as a new threat to eastern bearded dragons and coastal carpet pythons.
Here’s the controversial part: As climate change warms the planet, stressed animals become more susceptible to infections, while fungi thrive in these conditions. This deadly synergy could accelerate the decline of reptiles, which play vital roles in ecosystems—from controlling pests to maintaining healthy landscapes. Yet, despite their importance, reptiles often fly under the radar compared to more charismatic species like birds or mammals.
The rise of herping—the reptile equivalent of birdwatching—has increased public awareness, but it’s not enough. These fungal diseases were only discovered because observant community members reported sick animals. Early detection is our best defense, but it requires action from all of us. So, what can you do?
- Report sick reptiles: Look for crusty lesions, abnormal shedding, swelling, or lethargy. Take photos, note the location, and contact local wildlife authorities or platforms like iNaturalist.
- Never release pet reptiles: Captive reptiles can carry pathogens harmful to wild populations. Rehome them responsibly instead.
- Observe responsibly: Avoid handling wild reptiles unless trained and permitted, and always sanitize equipment between encounters.
Our findings suggest this could be the tip of the iceberg. We’re now surveying reptiles more broadly to understand the scope of these infections and how to stop them. Left unchecked, these fungi could devastate threatened species like leaf-tailed geckos and earless dragons. But here’s the question we must all grapple with: Are we doing enough to protect Australia’s reptiles before it’s too late? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation we can’t afford to ignore.
