Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Darwin's frog Rhinoderma spp. in Chile.

Area of Science:

• Amphibian Pathology
• Mycology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis causes chytridiomycosis, a devastating disease impacting amphibian populations globally.
• Endangered frog species, such as those in the genus Rhinoderma, are particularly vulnerable to emerging infectious diseases.
• Chilean amphibian populations face numerous threats, including habitat loss and disease, necessitating disease surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and impact of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in two endangered frog species of the genus Rhinoderma in Chile.
• To determine if chytridiomycosis affects captive and wild populations of Rhinoderma frogs.
• To establish the first confirmation of chytridiomycosis in Rhinoderma darwinii within Chile.

Main Methods:

• Histological and molecular techniques were employed to detect Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.
• Specimens were analyzed from a captive rearing facility, wild populations, and preserved museum collections.
• Fungal presence was confirmed through diagnostic testing of collected samples.

Main Results:

• The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis was identified in both captive and wild populations of Rhinoderma frogs.
• The fungus was not detected in the preserved historical specimens analyzed.
• This research provides the first documented evidence of chytridiomycosis in Rhinoderma darwinii in Chile.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the presence of chytridiomycosis in Rhinoderma darwinii in Chile, highlighting a significant threat to this endangered species.
• The findings underscore the importance of ongoing disease monitoring in both wild and captive amphibian populations.
• Urgent conservation strategies are needed to mitigate the impact of chytridiomycosis on vulnerable Chilean frog species.