Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve

21 Apr, 08 AM - 22 Apr, 03 AM

Emerging infectious diseases are rapidly becoming a major threat to the diversity of life, and chief among these is Chytridiomycosis, an infectious disease of amphibians caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). First identified in the late 1990s after a rash of enigmatic amphibian declines in Central and North America, Chytridiomycosis has been implicated in the declines and extinctions of numerous amphibian species and infects hundreds more worldwide. In central and southern California, numerous amphibian species have experienced substantial declines throughout significant portions of their range. While various factors, including introduced bullfrogs, fish introductions, contaminants, climate change, and habitat alteration and destruction have been suggested as the drivers of declines, none appears able to fully explain the extent of regional declines in what are considered relatively pristine streams and ponds. By focusing on historic evidence of outbreaks in and comparing it with current species assemblages, this project will investigate where Bd outbreaks first occurred, whether Bd infection can be linked as a causative factor in declines, and whether there are differences in patterns of Bd emergence or prevalence that can point to factors causing the distribution of Bd in this geographic region. Focal species include the federally threatened California red-legged frog, foothill yellow-legged frog, western spadefoot toad, western toad, and federally endangered arroyo toad. Central and southern California?s amphibian declines represent a substantial uncertainty within the global biodiversity crisis. This research will provide insights into the dynamics of Bd?s spread and impact within communities and across the landscape, and inform management and mitigation of the deadly disease chytridiomycosis.

Visit #28351 @Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 25176 | Research

Examining the role of an epidemic disease in shaping amphibian community structure

research_scientist - University of California, Santa Barbara

Reservation Members(s)

Andrea Adams Apr 21 - 22, 2012 (2 days)
Andrea Adams Apr 21 - 22, 2012 (2 days)

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