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Three Pathogens Impact Terrestrial Frogs from a High-Elevation Tropical Hotspot

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Abstract

Three infectious pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), Ranavirus (Rv) and Perkinsea (Pr) are associated with widespread and ongoing amphibian population declines. Although their geographic and host ranges vary widely, recent studies have suggested that the occurrence of these pathogens could be more common than previously thought, even in direct-developing terrestrial species traditionally considered less likely to harbor these largely aquatic pathogens. Here, we characterize Bd, Rv, and Pr infections in direct-developing terrestrial amphibians of the Pristimantis genus from the highland Ecuadorean Andes. We confirm the first detection of Pr in terrestrial-breeding amphibians and in the Andean region, present the first report of Rv in Ecuador, and we add to the handful of studies finding Bd infecting Pristimantis. Infection prevalence did not differ significantly among pathogens, but infection intensity was significantly higher for Bd compared to Pr. Neither prevalence nor intensity differed significantly across locality and elevation for Bd and Rv, although low prevalence in our dataset and lack of seasonal sampling could have prevented important epidemiological patterns from emerging. Our study highlights the importance of incorporating pathogen surveillance in biodiversity monitoring in the Andean region and serves as starting point to understand pathogen dynamics, transmission, and impacts in terrestrial-breeding frogs.

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Acknowledgements

Our field expeditions in Ecuador were supported by Juan C. Sanchez-Nivicela, Paul Szekely, Diana Szekely, Amanda Quezada, Bruno Timbe and Valentina Posse. Boris Tinoco and Rodrigo Caroca provided suggestions for sampling and data management in Ecuador. Yanez Munoz from Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad del Ecuador facilitated sample exportation to UCF. Emily Karwacki and Matthew Atkinson helped define protocols for laboratory analysis; Katherine Martin provided suggestions for data analysis. We are grateful to Molly C. Womack and Jackson Phillips for providing edits and suggestions in an early version of this manuscript. This study was funded by grants from the National Geographic Society and the Explorers Club awarded to VLU.

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  1. Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA

    Veronica L. Urgiles & Anna E. Savage

  2. Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad del Ecuador, Pasaje Rumipamba 341 y Avenida de los Shirys, Quito, Ecuador

    Veronica L. Urgiles

  3. Escuela de Biología, Ecología y Gestión, Universidad del Azuay, Ave 24 de Mayo 7-77, Cuenca, Ecuador

    Ervin R. Ramírez, Cristian I. Villalta & David C. Siddons

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  1. Veronica L. Urgiles
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Correspondence to Veronica L. Urgiles.

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Urgiles, V.L., Ramírez, E.R., Villalta, C.I. et al. Three Pathogens Impact Terrestrial Frogs from a High-Elevation Tropical Hotspot. EcoHealth 18, 451–464 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-021-01570-8

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