Title |
Recent introduction of a chytrid fungus endangers Western Palearctic salamanders
|
---|---|
Published in |
Science, October 2014
|
DOI | 10.1126/science.1258268 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
A Martel, M Blooi, C Adriaensen, P Van Rooij, W Beukema, M C Fisher, R A Farrer, B R Schmidt, U Tobler, K Goka, K R Lips, C Muletz, K R Zamudio, J Bosch, S Lötters, E Wombwell, T W J Garner, A A Cunningham, A Spitzen-van der Sluijs, S Salvidio, R Ducatelle, K Nishikawa, T T Nguyen, J E Kolby, I Van Bocxlaer, F Bossuyt, F Pasmans |
Abstract |
Emerging infectious diseases are reducing biodiversity on a global scale. Recently, the emergence of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans resulted in rapid declines in populations of European fire salamanders. Here, we screened more than 5000 amphibians from across four continents and combined experimental assessment of pathogenicity with phylogenetic methods to estimate the threat that this infection poses to amphibian diversity. Results show that B. salamandrivorans is restricted to, but highly pathogenic for, salamanders and newts (Urodela). The pathogen likely originated and remained in coexistence with a clade of salamander hosts for millions of years in Asia. As a result of globalization and lack of biosecurity, it has recently been introduced into naïve European amphibian populations, where it is currently causing biodiversity loss. |
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Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United States | 14 | 18% |
United Kingdom | 5 | 7% |
France | 3 | 4% |
Japan | 2 | 3% |
Hong Kong | 1 | 1% |
Cabo Verde | 1 | 1% |
Tunisia | 1 | 1% |
Netherlands | 1 | 1% |
Italy | 1 | 1% |
Other | 1 | 1% |
Unknown | 46 | 61% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 57 | 75% |
Scientists | 12 | 16% |
Science communicators (journalists, bloggers, editors) | 6 | 8% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 1 | 1% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United States | 8 | 1% |
France | 3 | <1% |
Brazil | 3 | <1% |
Italy | 1 | <1% |
Netherlands | 1 | <1% |
Switzerland | 1 | <1% |
Canada | 1 | <1% |
Taiwan | 1 | <1% |
Mexico | 1 | <1% |
Other | 5 | <1% |
Unknown | 646 | 96% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Ph. D. Student | 125 | 19% |
Student > Master | 112 | 17% |
Student > Bachelor | 110 | 16% |
Researcher | 89 | 13% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 30 | 4% |
Other | 100 | 15% |
Unknown | 105 | 16% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 309 | 46% |
Environmental Science | 97 | 14% |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 48 | 7% |
Veterinary Science and Veterinary Medicine | 40 | 6% |
Medicine and Dentistry | 15 | 2% |
Other | 37 | 6% |
Unknown | 125 | 19% |