Interventions for Reducing Extinction Risk in Chytridiomycosis‐Threatened Amphibians |
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Authors: | BEN C. SCHEELE DAVID A. HUNTER LAURA F. GROGAN LEE BERGER JON E. KOLBY MICHAEL S. MCFADDEN GERRY MARANTELLI LEE F. SKERRATT DON A. DRISCOLL |
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Affiliation: | 1. ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, National Environmental Research Program Environmental Decisions Hub, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Forestry Building [48], Australian National University, , Canberra, ACT 0200 Australia;2. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, , Queanbeyan, NSW 2620 Australia;3. One Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, , Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia;4. IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, Regional Co‐Chair (Honduras);5. Taronga Conservation Society Australia, , Mosman, NSW 2088 Australia;6. Amphibian Research Centre, , Merlynston, Victoria 3058 Australia |
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Abstract: | Wildlife diseases pose an increasing threat to biodiversity and are a major management challenge. A striking example of this threat is the emergence of chytridiomycosis. Despite diagnosis of chytridiomycosis as an important driver of global amphibian declines 15 years ago, researchers have yet to devise effective large‐scale management responses other than biosecurity measures to mitigate disease spread and the establishment of disease‐free captive assurance colonies prior to or during disease outbreaks. We examined the development of management actions that can be implemented after an epidemic in surviving populations. We developed a conceptual framework with clear interventions to guide experimental management and applied research so that further extinctions of amphibian species threatened by chytridiomycosis might be prevented. Within our framework, there are 2 management approaches: reducing Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (the fungus that causes chytridiomycosis) in the environment or on amphibians and increasing the capacity of populations to persist despite increased mortality from disease. The latter approach emphasizes that mitigation does not necessarily need to focus on reducing disease‐associated mortality. We propose promising management actions that can be implemented and tested based on current knowledge and that include habitat manipulation, antifungal treatments, animal translocation, bioaugmentation, head starting, and selection for resistance. Case studies where these strategies are being implemented will demonstrate their potential to save critically endangered species. Intervenciones para Reducir el Riesgo de Extinción en Anfibios Amenazados por la Quitridiomicosis |
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Keywords: | amphibian decline Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis chytrid disease management emerging infectious disease frog wildlife management Declinació n de anfibios enfermedad infecciosa emergente manejo de enfermedades manejo de vida silvestre quitridio rana Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis |
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