Recent introduction of a chytrid fungus endangers Western Palearctic salamanders
Martel, A., Blooi, M., Adriaensen, C., Van Rooij, P., Beukema, W., Fisher, M.C., Farrer, R.A., Schmidt, B.R., Tobler, U., Goka, K., Lips, K.R., Muletz, C., Zamudio, K.R., Bosch, J., Lötters, S., Wombwell, E., Garner, T.W.J., Cunningham, A.A., Spitzen-van der Sluijs, A., Salvidio, S., Ducatelle, R., Nishikawa, K., Nguyen, T.T., Kolby, J.E., Van Bocxlaer, I., Bossuyt, F., and Pasmans, F. (2014) Recent introduction of a chytrid fungus endangers Western Palearctic salamanders. Science, 346 (6209). pp. 630-631.
![[img]](https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/style/images/fileicons/application_pdf.png) |
PDF (Published Version)
- Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only |
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 naive European amphibian populations, where it is currently causing biodiversity loss.
| Item ID: | 42070 |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Article (Research - C1) |
| ISSN: | 1095-9203 |
| Funders: | Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs (DMEA), UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UKDEFRA), Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (RZSA), Ghent University (GU), Morris Animal Foundation (MAF), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Wellcome Trust (WT), Vontobel-Stiftung (VS), Janggen-Pöhn Stiftung (JPS), Basler Stiftung für biologische Forschung, Stiftung Dr. Joachim De Giacomi (SDJDG), Zoo Zürich (ZZ), Grün Stadt Zürich (GSZ), European Union of Aquarium Curators (EUAC), Zürcher Tierschutz (ZT), Fundación General CSIC, Banco Santander (BS), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Royal Society (RS), Ministry of Education, Science and Culture Japan (MESC), Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), European Research Council (ERC), Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Vlaanderen (FWO) |
| Projects and Grants: | UKDEFRA project grant FC1195, RZSA Dehousse Grant, GU Special Research Fund (BOF13/PDO/130), MAF D12z0-002, RS Wolfson Research Merit Award, MESC 20770066, MESC 23770084, JSPS AA Core-to-Core program Type B. Asia-Africa Science Platforms., JSPS RONPAKU program, ERC Starting Grant 204509 [project Tracing Antimicrobial Peptides and Pheromones in the Amphibian Skin (TAPAS)] |
| Date Deposited: | 08 Dec 2015 15:31 |
| FoR Codes: | 07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0707 Veterinary Sciences > 070704 Veterinary Epidemiology @ 100% |
| SEO Codes: | 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9604 Control of Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species > 960405 Control of Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species at Regional or Larger Scales @ 100% |
| Downloads: |
Total: 3 |
| More Statistics |
Actions (Repository Staff Only)
 |
Item Control Page |