Ecological niche models based on occurrence records of the amphibian chytrid fungus overestimate lethal chytridiomycosis risk

Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 26, 2025

Abstract Ecological niche models (ENMs) have been used frequently to predict the distribution and future spread of pathogenic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Based on assumption that chytridiomycosis outbreaks are most likely occur where conditions ideal for Bd, many studies identified high‐risk areas its associated mortality risk using only known Bd occurrences. However, presence a pathogen does not necessarily indicate high infection, disease or mortality. We BIOMOD2 package implemented in R, 19 bioclimatic variables, 267 locality records, covering three levels infection progress (occurrence, loads disease‐associated mortality), calculate potential where: (1) is be present, (2) amphibians prone harbour infections (3) chytridiomycosis‐related mortalities occur. evaluate discrepancies among projected by models, encompassing their spatial extent environmental conditions. When all occurrences were used, predicted area subjected covered 17% study area. when just records decreased three‐fold. Notably, overlapped 3% total area, suggesting region at plus constituted one‐fifth presence. Mean temperature during wettest warmest 3 months year together with isothermality emerged as robust negative predictors each models. Synthesis applications . based data (Bd) can overestimate because suitable do always correspond those conducive significant host Distribution modelling powerful tool correctly, this highlights significance careful selection ensure alignment intended objectives. Considering widespread use ENMs inform policy, meticulous design comprehensive evaluation imperative.

Language: Английский

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New prospects of environmental RNA metabarcoding research in biological diversity, ecotoxicological monitoring, and detection of COVID-19: a critical review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 31(8), P. 11406 - 11427

Published: Jan. 6, 2024

Language: Английский

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Validating the underpinnings of water corticosterone measurement for aquatic amphibians

F1000Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 14, P. 53 - 53

Published: Jan. 9, 2025

Good animal welfare is important ethically but also to ensure animals provide valid scientific models. Despite thousands of amphibians in research laboratories there minimal quantitative evidence pertaining their management and welfare. This study validated methods non-invasively measure corticosterone, the amphibian 'stress' hormone, from tank water a robust reliable assessment tool. We report experiments (A) that evaluate parameters linked performance our biochemical extraction for waterborne corticosterone and, importantly, associated sampling procedures. appropriate type, vessel, filtration methods, potential degradation over time impact procedures on levels. wanted determine yielded least background had minimum negative animals. The second series (B) evaluated biology Xenopus, including influence circadian rhythm, sex snout-vent length levels, since fundamental knowledge species' essential designing interpretation results. propose collecting samples deionised either plastic or glass containers. filtering process does not amount measured sample. Levels collected change 48-hr period so we advocate standardising hormone collection storage at - 20 °C. Repeated transfer frogs containers increase suggesting are cumulatively stressful. Corticosterone levels were impacted by phase, length. have developed quantify corticosterone. hope they template researchers wishing develop aquatic amphibians.

Language: Английский

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Assessing population dynamics and environmental influences of Balearic green toad in the Balearic Islands

Population Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 2, 2025

Abstract Understanding the demography and spatial ecology of amphibian species is crucial for developing effective conservation measures under increasing environmental pressures. Over 4 years, we used capture–mark–recapture methods to investigate population dynamics, apparent survival, dispersal, body condition Mediterranean toad Bufotes balearicus across multiple ponds in Balearic Islands. While movement patterns were assessed different breeding sites, demographic estimates, condition, survival analyses primarily derived from Pond 3, where sufficient recapture data available. Our study suggests that adult B. exhibit limited between ponds, likely influenced by fragmented landscape Mondragó Natural Park. We also found individuals arriving earlier at sites exhibited higher indices. Estimated male size 3 fluctuated 32 108 among model‐averaged suggested a constant annual probability 0.38. Daily capture numbers positively correlated with rainfall negatively temperature, underscoring importance hydrological thermal conditions determining activity. Collectively, these findings highlight need maintain suitable aquatic habitats account variability when devising strategies landscapes.

Language: Английский

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Countrywide screening supports model-based predictions of the distribution of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Ukraine

Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 159, P. 15 - 27

Published: June 28, 2024

The chytrid Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a widespread fungus causing amphibian declines across the globe. Although data on Bd occurrence in Eastern Europe are scarce, recent species distribution model (SDM) for reported that western and north-western parts of Ukraine highly suitable to pathogen. We verified SDM-predicted range by sampling amphibians country screening using qPCR. A total 446 samples (tissue skin swabs) from 11 were collected 36 localities. obtained qPCR-positive results 33 including waterfrogs (Pelophylax esculentus complex) fire- yellow-bellied toads (Bombina spp.) 8 found Bd-positive localities had significantly higher predicted habitat suitability than sites pathogen-free. Amplification sequencing internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region with highest load revealed matches ITS haplotypes globally distributed BdGPL strain, single case BdASIA-2/BdBRAZIL haplotype. was non-randomly Ukraine, infections present north-central forested peripheries relatively cool, moist climate. On other hand, our suggest absent or low abundance more continental central, southern eastern regions corroborating model-predicted fungus. These areas could potentially serve as climatic refugia Bd-susceptible hosts.

Language: Английский

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Retrospective Detection of Ophidiomyces ophidiicola from Snake Moults Collected in Bieszczady Mountains, Poland

Microorganisms, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12(7), P. 1467 - 1467

Published: July 19, 2024

, the causative agent of ophidiomycosis, poses a potential threat to wild snakes worldwide. This study aimed retrospectively investigate prevalence

Language: Английский

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Drivers of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection load, with evidence of infection tolerance in adult male toads (Bufo spinosus)

Oecologia, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 202(1), P. 165 - 174

Published: May 1, 2023

Chytridiomycosis is affecting hundreds of amphibian species worldwide, but while in tropical areas, adult individuals have been the focus most investigations, exact role played by infection intensity breeding adults not well understood temperate areas. We conducted mark-recapture-capture surveys during spiny common toad seasons from 2006 to 2018 at site first recorded outbreak chytridiomycosis Europe, Peñalara Massif (Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, central Spain), and collected samples several variables related reproductive effort male individuals. used general linear mixed models evaluate contribution study on loads toads exhibited their capturing date. also analysed differences characteristics between pond with largest population against rest ponds. found that duration time spent waterbody condition host predicted loads. Animals good physical condition, longer water, higher levels than opposite set traits. The supporting housed smaller poorer condition. Our results are consistent a shift strategy response potentially tolerance, rather resistance infection. These findings applications for disease mitigation theoretical implications trade-offs made evolution traits disease.

Language: Английский

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Source-Sink Dynamics in a Two-Patch SI Epidemic Model with Life Stages and No Recovery from Infection

Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 86(8)

Published: July 8, 2024

Language: Английский

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Anthropogenic determinants of species presence in amphibian communities across a regional elevation gradient

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(10)

Published: Oct. 1, 2024

Abstract Identifying and quantifying the main factors that are jeopardizing amphibian communities worldwide is essential for planning effective conservation. We collected data on presence/absence of salamanders newts (Caudata) frogs toads (Anura) in >3600 water points from a large region (30,000 km 2 ) NW Spain during 10‐year period (2004–2013). contrasted set hypotheses explaining as function anthropogenic across regional elevation gradient (1–2036 m). Logistic regression modeling revealed were mainly influenced by pollution land use changes, effect these changed with elevation. However, affected larger acting synergistically, although not including their operated at all ranges, except case biological (invasive species wild boar abundance) higher effects low Changes was most common factor any included abandonment rural areas, which favors shrub tree encroachment former open land, loss points. The resilient two frogs, Pelophylax perezi Rana parvipalmata . least salamanders, Chioglossa lusitanica Lissotriton helveticus , followed closely toads, Alytes obstetricans Pelobates cultripes Unoccupied sites had frequencies changes first 5 years study lower direct human influence second period. Overall, our results showed studied metacommunity negatively both indirect factors, but also many only capable occupying been altered action, even favored uses generating habitat, habitat type increasingly uncommon region, entire Iberian Peninsula Europe.

Language: Английский

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Climatic drivers of chytrid prevalence in the critically endangered Admirable Redbelly Toad

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 22, 2024

Global warming is driving shifts in rainfall and temperature patterns, projections indicate an increase frequency intensity of climate anomalies. These changes influence wildlife disease dynamics, affecting pathogen development, host behavior, physiology, susceptibility. Understanding the intricate interplay between climatic anomalies emerging pathogens amphibian essential to inform conservation efforts targeted towards this highly threatened vertebrate group. In-situ research recommended as a action by International Union for Conservation Nature (IUCN 2023) microendemic Critically Endangered Melanophryniscus admirabilis (Admirable Redbelly Toad). We therefore investigated seasonal fluctuations infections waterborne chytrid Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) sole surviving population, which holds significant concern. found links high Bd prevalence, monthly low deficit. Additionally, prevalence was associated with temperatures exceeding historical averages. findings suggests that play crucial role transmission infection status among toads, probably due their aggregation behavior few available pools during drier warmer periods. Despite current loads, projected escalation might render M. uniquely susceptible synergistic interactions extreme conditions. The insights gained from study can improve underscore relationship infection, shedding light on potential vulnerabilities within populations.

Language: Английский

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