West Africa’s frog population has seemingly been spared a deadly contagion largely responsible for the decline of global amphibian numbers.

Chytridiomycosis, caused by the Chytrid fungus, has placed frog populations around the world under severe threat, particularly in Africa, where it is believed the disease originated. The disease attacks the skin of amphibians, blocking respiration and causing death.

The disease’s absence is believed to be due to the geographical nature of West Africa; however scientists believe that even without the presence of the disease, amphibious populations are under equal threat from habitat destruction.

West Africa is now the last tropical region outside of Madagascar unaffected by the disease.