Island provides a pathogen refuge within climatically suitable area

Title
Island provides a pathogen refuge within climatically suitable area
Publication Date
2015-09
Author(s)
Stockwell, Michelle P
Bower, Deborah S
Bainbridge, Loren
Clulow, John
Mahony, Michael J
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Place of publication
Netherlands
DOI
10.1007/s10531-015-0946-0
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/26871
Abstract
Surveillance of pathogens can lead to significant advances towards making effective decisions in research and management for species threatened by disease. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has been a major contributing factor to the global decline of amphibians. Knowledge of the distribution of B. dendrobatidis can contribute to understanding patterns of species decline and prioritizing action. Therefore, we surveyed four spatially distinct populations of a B. dendrobatidis susceptible species, the green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea), for evidence of infection in the population. Three mainland populations were infected at a prevalence of 3.5-28.3%, with median infection loads of 0.28-627.18 genomic equivalents (GE). Conversely, we did not detect infection in an island population 3 km from the mainland; the isolation and infrequent visitation of the island suggests that the pathogen has not arrived. Management actions for B. dendrobatidis and conservation of susceptible frog species are heavily dependent on the presence and absence of the pathogen in the population. Prevention of the accidental introduction of B. dendrobatidis and safe guarding genetic diversity of L. aurea is necessary to preserve unique diversity of the island population, whereas containment and control of the pathogen can be directed towards mainland populations. Knowledge of disease dynamics also provides a context to understand the ecology of remaining populations as variation in the physiology or habitat of the mainland populations have facilitated persistence of these populations alongside B. dendrobatidis. Other islands should be a priority target in disease surveillance, to discover refuges that can assist conservation.
Link
Citation
Biodiversity and Conservation, 24(10), p. 2583-2592
ISSN
1572-9710
0960-3115
Start page
2583
End page
2592

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