Abstract
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is an unpredictable pathogen for European amphibian species, and existing field surveillance studies likely underestimate the scope of its distribution and effects. Mass mortality episodes recorded in Europe indicate that investigations of unstudied species should focus on members of the frog family Alytidae. Here, we report the combined results of a field survey and laboratory observations of field collected Alytes dickhilleni. Our data support the hypothesis that B. dendrobatidis has recently emerged in at least two disjunct locations in the species range and populations across much of the species range lack evidence of infection pathogen. Tadpoles taken into the laboratory from sites with infection experienced 70% mortality, unlike those taken into the laboratory from uninfected sites, and both infection and strength of infection was associated with mortality in animals collected from infected locations. Several conservation interventions are underway in response to our study, including the establishment of a captive assurance colony, a public awareness campaign, and experimental tests of disease mitigation schemes.
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Acknowledgments
Funding for this study was provided from the BiodiverERsa project RACE and a Zero Project supported by the Fundación General CSIC and the Banco de Santander. The authors also acknowledge EAZA and Amphibian Ark for funding part of the field component of the study. E. Gonzalez-Miras, E. Albert, M. Benítez and M. Tejedo helped during fieldwork or provided tissues samples. The Consejería de Medio Ambiente of Junta de Andalucía, Castilla La Mancha and Región de Murcia provided permits for field study.
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Bosch, J., García-Alonso, D., Fernández-Beaskoetxea, S. et al. Evidence for the Introduction of Lethal Chytridiomycosis Affecting Wild Betic Midwife Toads (Alytes dickhilleni). EcoHealth 10, 82–89 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-013-0828-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-013-0828-4