Interventions for Reducing Extinction Risk in Chytridiomycosis-Threatened Amphibians
File version
Accepted Manuscript (AM)
Author(s)
Hunter, David A
Grogan, Laura F
Berger, Lee
Kolby, Jon E
Mcfadden, Michael S
Marantelli, Gerry
Skerratt, Lee F
Driscoll, Don A
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
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.
Journal Title
Conservation Biology
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
28
Issue
5
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
© 2014 Society for Conservation Biology. Publisher by Wiley-Blackwell. This is the author-manuscript version of the paper. Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. The definitive version is available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Environmental sciences
Conservation and biodiversity
Biological sciences
Agricultural, veterinary and food sciences
Ecology
Zoology
Environmental management