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Ecology: the proximate cause of frog declines?
Ines Di Rosa1, Francesca Simoncelli, Anna Fagotti
1Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e Ambientale, Università di Perugia, Via Pascoli 1, Perugia 06123, Italy. inesdir@unipg.it
Nature
|June 1, 2007
Summary
Global warming may link to amphibian declines, but the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) isn't always the sole cause. A novel, non-pathogenic form of the fungus was common before disease emerged in Italy.
Area of Science:
- Herpetology
- Ecology
- Pathogen research
Background:
- Amphibian declines are a global concern, with climate change and the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) implicated.
- The climate-linked epidemic hypothesis suggests global warming exacerbates chytridiomycosis outbreaks.
Discussion:
- In Italy's Trasimeno Lake area, the water frog Rana lessonae declined before chytridiomycosis was observed.
- The chytrid fungus was present in a previously unknown, non-pathogenic form during the frogs' decline (1999-2002).
Key Insights:
- The chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) may exist in non-disease-causing forms.
- Amphibian declines may result from complex host-pathogen interactions, not solely from a single pathogen's virulence.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to understand the full spectrum of chytrid fungus roles in amphibian health.
- A comprehensive understanding of host-parasite ecology is crucial for effective amphibian conservation strategies.
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