Wildlife disease. Recent introduction of a chytrid fungus endangers Western Palearctic salamanders.

Science
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

Emerging infectious diseases are reducing biodiversity on a global scale. Recently, the emergence of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans resulted in rapid declines in populations of European fire salamanders. Here, we screened more than 5000 amphibians from across four continents and combined experimental assessment of pathogenicity with phylogenetic methods to estimate the threat that this infection poses to amphibian diversity. Results show that B. salamandrivorans is restricted to, but highly pathogenic for, salamanders and newts (Urodela). The pathogen likely originated and remained in coexistence with a clade of salamander hosts for millions of years in Asia. As a result of globalization and lack of biosecurity, it has recently been introduced into naïve European amphibian populations, where it is currently causing biodiversity loss.

Year of Publication
2014
Journal
Science
Volume
346
Issue
6209
Pages
630-1
Date Published
2014 Oct 31
ISSN
1095-9203
URL
DOI
10.1126/science.1258268
PubMed ID
25359973
Links
Grant list
Wellcome Trust / United Kingdom