This study investigates the impact of the emerging infectious disease chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus *Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis*, on amphibian biodiversity in a Neotropical community at El Copé, Panama. The authors report a rapid increase in the prevalence of *B. dendrobatidis* from zero to high levels, leading to mass mortality and significant declines in amphibian populations. The study found that 38 species of frogs and salamanders, representing eight families, were infected, with infection rates ranging from 57% to 100%. The decline in amphibian populations was characterized by a sharp drop in density and species richness, particularly in riparian habitats, within a few months. The authors argue that chytridiomycosis is a major driver of these declines, supported by the absence of other diseases and the fulfillment of Koch's postulates. The high species richness at the study site suggests that the disease could persist and drive rare or less resistant species to extinction. The findings highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to address the global decline in amphibian populations.This study investigates the impact of the emerging infectious disease chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus *Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis*, on amphibian biodiversity in a Neotropical community at El Copé, Panama. The authors report a rapid increase in the prevalence of *B. dendrobatidis* from zero to high levels, leading to mass mortality and significant declines in amphibian populations. The study found that 38 species of frogs and salamanders, representing eight families, were infected, with infection rates ranging from 57% to 100%. The decline in amphibian populations was characterized by a sharp drop in density and species richness, particularly in riparian habitats, within a few months. The authors argue that chytridiomycosis is a major driver of these declines, supported by the absence of other diseases and the fulfillment of Koch's postulates. The high species richness at the study site suggests that the disease could persist and drive rare or less resistant species to extinction. The findings highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to address the global decline in amphibian populations.