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Figueroa A, Low MEY, Lim KKP. Singapore's herpetofauna: updated and annotated checklist, history, conservation, and distribution. Zootaxa 2023; 5287:1-378. [PMID: 37518684 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5287.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Given Singapore's location at the confluence of important maritime trading routes, and that it was established as a British East India Company trading post in 1819, it is unsurprising that Singapore has become one of the centres of natural history collecting and research in Southeast Asia. Despite its small size, Singapore is home to a diverse herpetofauna assemblage and boasts a rich herpetological history. The first systematic studies of Singapore's herpetofauna (within the Linnaean binomial framework) date back to Stamford Raffles and the naturalists hired by him who first came to the island in 1819. Specimens that were collected during and after this time were deposited in museums worldwide. Over time, 39 species from Singapore were described as new to science. Due to the entrepôt nature of Singapore with its associated purchasing and trading of specimens (both alive and dead), poor record-keeping, and human introductions, numerous extraneous species from outside of Singapore were reported to occur on the island. Such issues have left a complicated legacy of ambiguous records and taxonomic complications concerning the identity of Singapore's species-rich herpetofauna, many of which were only resolved in the past 30-40 years. By compiling a comprehensive collection of records and publications relating to the herpetofauna of Singapore, we construct an updated and more accurate listing of the herpetofauna of Singapore. Our investigation culminated in the evaluation of 309 species, in which we compiled a final species checklist recognising 166 species (149 native and 17 non-native established species). Among the 149 native species are two caecilians, 24 frogs, one crocodilian, 13 turtles (three visitors), 34 lizards, and 75 snakes. Of the 17 non-native species are five frogs, four turtles, six lizards, and two snakes. The remaining 143 species represent species to be excluded from Singapore's herpetofauna species checklist. For each of the 309 species examined, we provide species accounts and explanatory annotations. Furthermore, we discuss Singapore's herpetofauna from a historical and conservation perspective. Immediate deforestation and nationwide urbanisation following colonisation completely eliminated many species from throughout much of the country and restricted them to small, degraded forest patches. We hope this publication highlights the importance of publishing observations and serves as a valuable resource to future researchers, naturalists, biological consultants, and policy makers in initiating studies on species ecology, distribution, status, and promoting conservation efforts to safeguard Singapore's herpetofauna.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martyn E Y Low
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum; 2 Conservatory Drive; Singapore 117377.
| | - Kelvin K P Lim
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum; 2 Conservatory Drive; Singapore 117377.
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Auliya M, Altherr S, Nithart C, Hughes A, Bickford D. Numerous uncertainties in the multifaceted global trade in frogs’ legs with the EU as the major consumer. NATURE CONSERVATION 2023. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.51.93868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The commercial trade in frogs and their body parts is global, dynamic and occurs in extremely large volumes (in the thousands of tonnes/yr or billions of frogs/yr). The European Union (EU) remains the single largest importer of frogs’ legs, with most frogs still caught from the wild. Amongst the many drivers of species extinction or population decline (e.g. due to habitat loss, climate change, disease etc.), overexploitation is becoming increasingly more prominent. Due to global declines and extinctions, new attention is being focused on these markets, in part to try to ensure sustainability. While the trade is plagued by daunting realities of data deficiency and uncertainty and the conflicts of commercial interests associated with these data, it is clear is that EU countries are most responsible for the largest portion of the international trade in frogs’ legs of wild species. Over decades of exploitation, the EU imports have contributed to a decline in wild frog populations in an increasing number of supplying countries, such as India and Bangladesh, as well as Indonesia, Turkey and Albania more recently. However, there have been no concerted attempts by the EU and present export countries to ensure sustainability of this trade. Further work is needed to validate species identities, secure data on wild frog populations, establish reasonable monitored harvest/export quotas and disease surveillance and ensure data integrity, quality and security standards for frog farms. Herein, we call upon those countries and their representative governments to assume responsibility for the sustainability of the trade. The EU should take immediate action to channel all imports through a single centralised database and list sensitive species in the Annexes of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation. Further, listing in CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) can enforce international trade restrictions. More joint efforts are needed to improve regional monitoring schemes before the commercial trade causes irreversible extinctions of populations and species of frogs.
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Population genetic structure and evolutionary demographic patterns of Phrynoderma karaavali, an edible frog species of Kerala, India. J Genet 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12041-022-01407-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Brookes VJ, Wismandanu O, Sudarnika E, Roby JA, Hayes L, Ward MP, Basri C, Wibawa H, Davis J, Indrawan D, Manyweathers J, Nugroho WS, Windria S, Hernandez-Jover M. A scoping review of live wildlife trade in markets worldwide. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:153043. [PMID: 35032529 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Wet markets sell fresh food and are a global phenomenon. They are important for food security in many regions worldwide but have come under scrutiny due to their potential role in the emergence of infectious diseases. The sale of live wildlife has been highlighted as a particular risk, and the World Health Organisation has called for the banning of live, wild-caught mammalian species in markets unless risk assessment and effective regulations are in place. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a global scoping review of peer-reviewed information about the sale of live, terrestrial wildlife in markets that are likely to sell fresh food, and collated data about the characteristics of such markets, activities involving live wildlife, the species sold, their purpose, and animal, human, and environmental health risks that were identified. Of the 56 peer-reviewed records within scope, only 25% (n = 14) focussed on disease risks; the rest focused on the impact of wildlife sale on conservation. Although there were some global patterns (for example, the types of markets and purpose of sale of wildlife), there was wide diversity and huge epistemic uncertainty in all aspects associated with live, terrestrial wildlife sale in markets such that the feasibility of accurate assessment of the risk of emerging infectious disease associated with live wildlife trade in markets is currently limited. Given the value of both wet markets and wildlife trade and the need to support food affordability and accessibility, conservation, public health, and the social and economic aspects of livelihoods of often vulnerable people, there are major information gaps that need to be addressed to develop evidence-based policy in this environment. This review identifies these gaps and provides a foundation from which information for risk assessments can be collected.
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Affiliation(s)
- V J Brookes
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Dept. of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden 2570, Australia.
| | - O Wismandanu
- Veterinary Medicine Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Indonesia
| | - E Sudarnika
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB (Institut Pertanian Bogor) University, Indonesia
| | - J A Roby
- Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Dept. of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
| | - L Hayes
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Dept. of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
| | - M P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden 2570, Australia
| | - C Basri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB (Institut Pertanian Bogor) University, Indonesia
| | - H Wibawa
- Disease Investigation Centre Wates, Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services, Ministry of Agriculture of Indonesia, Indonesia
| | - J Davis
- Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Canberra, Australia
| | - D Indrawan
- School of Business, IPB (Institut Pertanian Bogor) University, Indonesia
| | - J Manyweathers
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Dept. of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
| | - W S Nugroho
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
| | - S Windria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Microbiology, Veterinary Medicine Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Indonesia
| | - M Hernandez-Jover
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Dept. of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
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Herath J, Ellepola G, Meegaskumbura M. Patterns of infection, origins, and transmission of ranaviruses among the ectothermic vertebrates of Asia. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:15498-15519. [PMID: 34824771 PMCID: PMC8601927 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ranaviral infections, a malady of ectothermic vertebrates, are becoming frequent, severe, and widespread, causing mortality among both wild and cultured species, raising odds of species extinctions and economic losses. This increase in infection is possibly due to the broad host range of ranaviruses and the transmission of these pathogens through regional and international trade in Asia, where outbreaks have been increasingly reported over the past decade. Here, we focus attention on the origins, means of transmission, and patterns of spread of this infection within the region. Infections have been recorded in both cultured and wild populations in at least nine countries/administrative regions, together with mass die-offs in some regions. Despite the imminent seriousness of the disease in Asia, surveillance efforts are still incipient. Some of the viral strains within Asia may transmit across host-taxon barriers, posing a significant risk to native species. Factors such as rising temperatures due to global climate change seem to exacerbate ranaviral activity, as most known outbreaks have been recorded during summer; however, data are still inadequate to verify this pattern for Asia. Import risk analysis, using protocols such as Pandora+, pre-border pathogen screening, and effective biosecurity measures, can be used to mitigate introduction of ranaviruses to uninfected areas and curb transmission within Asia. Comprehensive surveillance using molecular diagnostic tools for ranavirus species and variants will help in understanding the prevalence and disease burden in the region. This is an important step toward conserving native biodiversity and safeguarding the aquaculture industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayampathi Herath
- College of ForestryGuangxi Key Lab for Forest Ecology and ConservationGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Gajaba Ellepola
- College of ForestryGuangxi Key Lab for Forest Ecology and ConservationGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
- Department of ZoologyFaculty of ScienceUniversity of PeradeniyaKandySri Lanka
| | - Madhava Meegaskumbura
- College of ForestryGuangxi Key Lab for Forest Ecology and ConservationGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
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Abstract
AbstractFrogs have been harvested from the wild for the last 40 years in Turkey. We analysed the population dynamics of Anatolian water frogs (Pelophylax spp.) in the Seyhan and Ceyhan Deltas during 2013–2015. We marked a total of 13,811 individuals during 3 years, estimated population sizes, simulated the dynamics of a harvested population over 50 years, and collated frog harvest and export statistics from the region and for Turkey as a whole. Our capture estimates indicated a population reduction of c. 20% per year, and our population modelling showed that, if overharvesting continues at current rates, the harvested populations will decline rapidly. Simulations with a model of harvested population dynamics resulted in a risk of extinction of > 90% within 50 years, with extinction likely in c. 2032. Our interviews with harvesters revealed their economic dependence on the frog harvest. However, our results also showed that reducing harvest rates would not only ensure the viability of these frog populations but would also provide a source of income that is sustainable in the long term. Our study provides insights into the position of Turkey in the ‘extinction domino’ line, in which harvest pressure shifts among countries as frog populations are depleted and harvest bans are effected. We recommend that harvesting of wild frogs should be banned during the mating season, hunting and exporting of frogs < 30 g should be banned, and harvesters should be trained on species knowledge and awareness of regulations.
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Borzée A, Kielgast J, Wren S, Angulo A, Chen S, Magellan K, Messenger KR, Hansen-Hendrikx CM, Baker A, Santos MMD, Kusrini M, Jiang J, Maslova IV, Das I, Park D, Bickford D, Murphy RW, Che J, Van Do T, Nguyen TQ, Chuang MF, Bishop PJ. Using the 2020 global pandemic as a springboard to highlight the need for amphibian conservation in eastern Asia. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 2021; 255:108973. [PMID: 35125500 PMCID: PMC8798316 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2021.108973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases are on the rise in many different taxa, including, among others, the amphibian batrachochytrids, the snake fungal disease and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, responsible for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in mammals. Following the onset of the pandemic linked to COVID-19, eastern Asia has shown strong leadership, taking actions to regulate the trade of potential vector species in several regions. These actions were taken in response to an increase in public awareness, and the need for a quick reaction to mitigate against further pandemics. However, trade restrictions rarely affect amphibians, despite the risk of pathogen transmission, directly, or indirectly through habitat destruction and the loss of vector consumption. Thus, species that help alleviate the risk of zoonoses or provide biological control are not protected. Hence, in view of the global amphibian decline and the risk of zoonoses, we support the current wildlife trade regulations and support measures to safeguard wildlife from overexploitation. The current period of regulation overhaul should be used as a springboard for amphibian conservation. To mitigate risks, we suggest the following stipulations specifically for amphibians. I) Restrictions to amphibian farming in eastern Asia, in relation to pathogen transmission and the establishment of invasive species. II) Regulation of the amphibian pet trade, with a focus on potential vector species. III) Expansion of the wildlife trade ban, to limit the wildlife-human-pet interface. The resulting actions will benefit both human and wildlife populations, as they will lead to a decrease in the risk of zoonoses and better protection of the environment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT There is an increasing number of emerging infectious diseases impacting all species, including amphibians, reptiles and mammals. The latest threat to humans is the virus responsible for COVID-19, and the resulting pandemic. Countries in eastern Asia have taken steps to regulate wildlife trade and prevent further zoonoses thereby decreasing the risk of pathogens arising from wild species. However, as amphibians are generally excluded from regulations we support specific trade restrictions: I) Restrictions to amphibian farming; II) regulation of the amphibian pet trade; III) expansion of the wildlife trade ban. These restrictions will benefit both human and wildlife populations by decreasing the risks of zoonoses and better protecting the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaël Borzée
- Laboratory of Animal Behaviour and Conservation, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario M8W 1P5, Canada
| | - Jos Kielgast
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario M8W 1P5, Canada
- Section for Freshwater Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 4, DK-2100, Denmark
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, Universitetsparken, 15, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Sally Wren
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario M8W 1P5, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 340 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Ariadne Angulo
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario M8W 1P5, Canada
| | - Shu Chen
- Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kevin R Messenger
- Herpetology and Applied Conservation Laboratory, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Anne Baker
- Amphibian Ark, Conservation Planning Specialist Group, Apple Valley, USA
| | - Marcileida M Dos Santos
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario M8W 1P5, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 340 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Mirza Kusrini
- Department of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Jianping Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Irina V Maslova
- Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Indraneil Das
- Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan 94300, Malaysia
| | - Daesik Park
- Division of Science Education, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Robert W Murphy
- Centre for Biodiversity, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jing Che
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, People's Republic of China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, People's Republic of China
| | - Tu Van Do
- Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Truong Quang Nguyen
- Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Ming-Feng Chuang
- Department of Life Sciences and Research Center for Global Change Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Phillip J Bishop
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario M8W 1P5, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 340 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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Rahman MM, Jahan H, Rabbe MF, Chakraborty M, Salauddin M. First Detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Wild Frogs from Bangladesh. ECOHEALTH 2021; 18:31-43. [PMID: 34028636 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-021-01522-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Global amphibian populations are facing a novel threat, chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which is responsible for the severe decline of a number of species across several continents. Chytridiomycosis in Asia is a relatively recent discovery yet there have been no reports on Bd-presence in Bangladeshi amphibians. We conducted a preliminary study on 133 wild frogs from seven sites in Bangladesh between April and July 2018. Nested PCR analysis showed 20 samples (15.04%) and 50% of the tested taxa (9 species from 6 genera and 4 families) as Bd-positive. Eight of the nine species are discovered as newly infected hosts. Analysis of Bd-positive samples shows prevalence does not significantly vary among different land cover categories, although the occurrence is higher in forested areas. The prevalence rate is similar in high and low disturbed areas, but the range of occurrence is statistically higher in low disturbance areas. Maximum entropy distribution modeling indicates high probabilities of Bd occurrence in hilly and forested areas in southeast and central-north Bangladesh. The Bd-specific ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal gene sequence from the Bd-positive samples tested is completely identical. A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree reveals that the identified strain shares a common ancestry with strains previously discovered in different Asian regions. Our results provide the first evidence of Bd-presence in Bangladeshi amphibians, inferring that diversity is at risk. The effects of environmental and climatic factors along with quantitative PCR analysis are required to determine the infection intensity and susceptibility of amphibians in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mokhlesur Rahman
- Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh.
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
| | - Hawa Jahan
- Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, FBMH, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Md Fazle Rabbe
- Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md Salauddin
- Department of Geography and Environment, Jagannath University, Dhaka, 1100, Bangladesh
- Disaster Risk Management Department, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, Red Crescent Sarak, Bara Moghbazar, Dhaka, 1217, Bangladesh
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Bienentreu JF, Lesbarrères D. Amphibian Disease Ecology: Are We Just Scratching the Surface? HERPETOLOGICA 2020. [DOI: 10.1655/0018-0831-76.2.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David Lesbarrères
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
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Raphael BL, Macey SK, Platt SG, Seimon TA, Ossiboff RJ, Horne BD, Gamarra AL, Barrera MG, Lwin T, Soe MM, Aung SH, New SS, Khaing LL, Platt K. Health Screening of Burmese Star Tortoises (Geochelone platynota) Prior to Introduction to the Wild. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1353.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie L. Raphael
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10460 USA [; ; ]
| | - Suzanne K. Macey
- American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, New York 10024 USA [; ; ]
| | - Steven G. Platt
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10460 USA [; ; ]
| | - Tracie A. Seimon
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10460 USA [; ; ]
| | - Robert J. Ossiboff
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10460 USA [; ; ]
| | - Brian D. Horne
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10460 USA [; ; ]
| | - Ariana L. Gamarra
- American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, New York 10024 USA [; ; ]
| | - Michelle G. Barrera
- American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, New York 10024 USA [; ; ]
| | - Tint Lwin
- Turtle Survival Alliance - Myanmar Program, No. 12, Nanrattaw Street, Kamayut Township, Yangon, Myanmar []
| | - Me Me Soe
- Turtle Survival Alliance - Myanmar Program, No. 12, Nanrattaw Street, Kamayut Township, Yangon, Myanmar []
| | - Shwe Htay Aung
- Myanmar Forest Department, Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division, Lawkanandar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bagan, Myanmar
| | - San San New
- Myanmar Forest Department, Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division, Minzontaung Wildlife Sanctuary, Natowgyi, Myanmar
| | - Lay Lay Khaing
- Myanmar Forest Department, Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division, Minzontaung Wildlife Sanctuary, Natowgyi, Myanmar
| | - Kalyar Platt
- Turtle Survival Alliance - Myanmar Program, No. 12, Nanrattaw Street, Kamayut Township, Yangon, Myanmar []
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Cunningham AA, Daszak P, Wood JLN. One Health, emerging infectious diseases and wildlife: two decades of progress? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 372:rstb.2016.0167. [PMID: 28584175 PMCID: PMC5468692 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases affect people, domestic animals and wildlife alike, with many pathogens being able to infect multiple species. Fifty years ago, following the wide-scale manufacture and use of antibiotics and vaccines, it seemed that the battle against infections was being won for the human population. Since then, however, and in addition to increasing antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens, there has been an increase in the emergence of, mostly viral, zoonotic diseases from wildlife, sometimes causing fatal outbreaks of epidemic proportions. Concurrently, infectious disease has been identified as an increasing threat to wildlife conservation. A synthesis published in 2000 showed common anthropogenic drivers of disease threats to biodiversity and human health, including encroachment and destruction of wildlife habitat and the human-assisted spread of pathogens. Almost two decades later, the situation has not changed and, despite improved knowledge of the underlying causes, little has been done at the policy level to address these threats. For the sake of public health and wellbeing, human-kind needs to work better to conserve nature and preserve the ecosystem services, including disease regulation, that biodiversity provides while also understanding and mitigating activities which lead to disease emergence. We consider that holistic, One Health approaches to the management and mitigation of the risks of emerging infectious diseases have the greatest chance of success. This article is part of the themed issue ‘One Health for a changing world: zoonoses, ecosystems and human well-being’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Cunningham
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Peter Daszak
- Ecohealth Alliance, 460 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001, USA
| | - James L N Wood
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Disease Dynamics Unit, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
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DISEASE SCREENING IN SOUTHERN RIVER TERRAPINS (BATAGUR AFFINIS EDWARDMOLLI) IN CAMBODIA. J Zoo Wildl Med 2017; 48:1242-1246. [DOI: 10.1638/1042-7260-48.4.1242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Sana S, Hardouin EA, Gozlan RE, Ercan D, Tarkan AS, Zhang T, Andreou D. Origin and invasion of the emerging infectious pathogen Sphaerothecum destruens. Emerg Microbes Infect 2017; 6:e76. [PMID: 28831194 PMCID: PMC5583672 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2017.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Non-native species are often linked to the introduction of novel pathogens with detrimental effects on native biodiversity. Since Sphaerothecum destruens was first discovered as a fish pathogen in the United Kingdom, it has been identified as a potential threat to European fish biodiversity. Despite this parasite’s emergence and associated disease risk, there is still a poor understanding of its origin in Europe. Here, we provide the first evidence to support the hypothesis that S. destruens was accidentally introduced to Europe from China along with its reservoir host Pseudorasbora parva via the aquaculture trade. This is the first study to confirm the presence of S. destruens in China, and it has expanded the confirmed range of S. destruens to additional locations in Europe. The demographic analysis of S. destruens and its host P. parva in their native and invasive range further supported the close association of both species. This research has direct significance and management implications for S. destruens in Europe as a non-native parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Sana
- Bournemouth University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Fern Barrow, Talbot Campus, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Emilie A Hardouin
- Bournemouth University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Fern Barrow, Talbot Campus, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Rodolphe E Gozlan
- UMR BOREA IRD-MNHN-Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 47 Rue Cuvier, Paris, Cedex 5 75231, France
| | - Didem Ercan
- Faculty of Fisheries, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Kötekli, Muğla 48000, Turkey
| | - Ali Serhan Tarkan
- Faculty of Fisheries, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Kötekli, Muğla 48000, Turkey
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- Bournemouth University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Fern Barrow, Talbot Campus, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Demetra Andreou
- Bournemouth University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Fern Barrow, Talbot Campus, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB, UK
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Cunningham AA, Daszak P, Wood JLN. One Health, emerging infectious diseases and wildlife: two decades of progress? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0167 https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2016.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases affect people, domestic animals and wildlife alike, with many pathogens being able to infect multiple species. Fifty years ago, following the wide-scale manufacture and use of antibiotics and vaccines, it seemed that the battle against infections was being won for the human population. Since then, however, and in addition to increasing antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens, there has been an increase in the emergence of, mostly viral, zoonotic diseases from wildlife, sometimes causing fatal outbreaks of epidemic proportions. Concurrently, infectious disease has been identified as an increasing threat to wildlife conservation. A synthesis published in 2000 showed common anthropogenic drivers of disease threats to biodiversity and human health, including encroachment and destruction of wildlife habitat and the human-assisted spread of pathogens. Almost two decades later, the situation has not changed and, despite improved knowledge of the underlying causes, little has been done at the policy level to address these threats. For the sake of public health and wellbeing, human-kind needs to work better to conserve nature and preserve the ecosystem services, including disease regulation, that biodiversity provides while also understanding and mitigating activities which lead to disease emergence. We consider that holistic, One Health approaches to the management and mitigation of the risks of emerging infectious diseases have the greatest chance of success.
This article is part of the themed issue ‘One Health for a changing world: zoonoses, ecosystems and human well-being’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A. Cunningham
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Peter Daszak
- Ecohealth Alliance, 460 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001, USA
| | - James L. N. Wood
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Disease Dynamics Unit, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
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Dittrich C, Struck U, Rödel MO. Stable isotope analyses-A method to distinguish intensively farmed from wild frogs. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:2525-2534. [PMID: 28428844 PMCID: PMC5395441 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumption of frog legs is increasing worldwide, with potentially dramatic effects for ecosystems. More and more functioning frog farms are reported to exist. However, due to the lack of reliable methods to distinguish farmed from wild-caught individuals, the origin of frogs in the international trade is often uncertain. Here, we present a new methodological approach to this problem. We investigated the isotopic composition of legally traded frog legs from suppliers in Vietnam and Indonesia. Muscle and bone tissue samples were examined for δ15N, δ13C, and δ18O stable isotope compositions, to elucidate the conditions under which the frogs grew up. We used DNA barcoding (16S rRNA) to verify species identities. We identified three traded species (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus, Fejervarya cancrivora and Limnonectes macrodon); species identities were partly deviating from package labeling. Isotopic values of δ15N and δ18O showed significant differences between species and country of origin. Based on low δ15N composition and generally little variation in stable isotope values, our results imply that frogs from Vietnam were indeed farmed. In contrast, the frogs from the Indonesian supplier likely grew up under natural conditions, indicated by higher δ15N values and stronger variability in the stable isotope composition. Our results indicate that stable isotope analyses seem to be a useful tool to distinguish between naturally growing and intensively farmed frogs. We believe that this method can be used to improve the control in the international trade of frog legs, as well as for other biological products, thus supporting farming activities and decreasing pressure on wild populations. However, we examined different species from different countries and had no access to samples of individuals with confirmed origin and living conditions. Therefore, we suggest improving this method further with individuals of known origin and history, preferably including samples of the respective nutritive bases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Dittrich
- Museum für Naturkunde Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science Berlin Germany
| | - Ulrich Struck
- Museum für Naturkunde Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science Berlin Germany
| | - Mark-Oliver Rödel
- Museum für Naturkunde Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science Berlin Germany
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16
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Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans is the predominant chytrid fungus in Vietnamese salamanders. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44443. [PMID: 28287614 PMCID: PMC5347381 DOI: 10.1038/srep44443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The amphibian chytrid fungi, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and B. salamandrivorans (Bsal), pose a major threat to amphibian biodiversity. Recent evidence suggests Southeast Asia as a potential cradle for both fungi, which likely resulted in widespread host-pathogen co-existence. We sampled 583 salamanders from 8 species across Vietnam in 55 locations for Bsal and Bd, determined scaled mass index as a proxy for fitness and collected environmental data. Bsal was found within 14 of the 55 habitats (2 of which it was detected in 2013), in 5 salamandrid species, with a prevalence of 2.92%. The globalized pandemic lineage of Bd was found within one pond on one species with a prevalence of 0.69%. Combined with a complete lack of correlation between infection and individual body condition and absence of indication of associated disease, this suggests low level pathogen endemism and Bsal and Bd co-existence with Vietnamese salamandrid populations. Bsal was more widespread than Bd, and occurs at temperatures higher than tolerated by the type strain, suggesting a wider thermal niche than currently known. Therefore, this study provides support for the hypothesis that these chytrid fungi may be endemic to Asia and that species within this region may act as a disease reservoir.
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice C. Hughes
- Centre for Integrative Conservation; Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Menglun Jinghong 666303 China
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18
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Shades of grey: the legal trade in CITES-listed birds in Singapore, notably the globally threatened African grey parrot Psittacus erithacus. ORYX 2016. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605314000234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThere are few published studies quantifying the volume of wildlife being traded through Singapore. We report on Singapore's involvement in the trade of avifauna listed on CITES based on government-reported data to CITES, with particular emphasis on Singapore's role in the trade of the globally threatened African grey parrot Psittacus erithacus. During 2005–2014 Singapore reported commercial import permits for 225,561 birds, from 35 countries, listed on CITES Appendices I and II, and the export of 136,912 similarly listed birds to 37 countries, highlighting the country's role as a major international transshipment hub for the global aviculture industry. Major exporters to Singapore included the Solomon Islands, the Netherlands, Taiwan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Africa. Major importers from Singapore included Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and Japan. Singapore imported significant quantities of CITES-listed birds from African countries, including the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea and South Africa, a number of which have a history of abuse of CITES export permits, discrepancies in reported trade data, or an acknowledged lack of wildlife law enforcement capacity. Significant discrepancies were detected between import and export figures of CITES-listed avifauna reported by Singapore and its trading partners. Based on these findings we present three recommendations to improve the regulation and monitoring of the trade in CITES-listed bird species in Singapore.
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Seimon TA, Ayebare S, Sekisambu R, Muhindo E, Mitamba G, Greenbaum E, Menegon M, Pupin F, McAloose D, Ammazzalorso A, Meirte D, Lukwago W, Behangana M, Seimon A, Plumptre AJ. Assessing the Threat of Amphibian Chytrid Fungus in the Albertine Rift: Past, Present and Future. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145841. [PMID: 26710251 PMCID: PMC4692535 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the cause of chytridiomycosis, is a pathogenic fungus that is found worldwide and is a major contributor to amphibian declines and extinctions. We report results of a comprehensive effort to assess the distribution and threat of Bd in one of the Earth’s most important biodiversity hotspots, the Albertine Rift in central Africa. In herpetological surveys conducted between 2010 and 2014, 1018 skin swabs from 17 amphibian genera in 39 sites across the Albertine Rift were tested for Bd by PCR. Overall, 19.5% of amphibians tested positive from all sites combined. Skin tissue samples from 163 amphibians were examined histologically; of these two had superficial epidermal intracorneal fungal colonization and lesions consistent with the disease chytridiomycosis. One amphibian was found dead during the surveys, and all others encountered appeared healthy. We found no evidence for Bd-induced mortality events, a finding consistent with other studies. To gain a historical perspective about Bd in the Albertine Rift, skin swabs from 232 museum-archived amphibians collected as voucher specimens from 1925–1994 were tested for Bd. Of these, one sample was positive; an Itombwe River frog (Phrynobatrachus asper) collected in 1950 in the Itombwe highlands. This finding represents the earliest record of Bd in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We modeled the distribution of Bd in the Albertine Rift using MaxEnt software, and trained our model for improved predictability. Our model predicts that Bd is currently widespread across the Albertine Rift, with moderate habitat suitability extending into the lowlands. Under climatic modeling scenarios our model predicts that optimal habitat suitability of Bd will decrease causing a major range contraction of the fungus by 2080. Our baseline data and modeling predictions are important for comparative studies, especially if significant changes in amphibian health status or climactic conditions are encountered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracie A. Seimon
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Samuel Ayebare
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Robert Sekisambu
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Muhindo
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Guillain Mitamba
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Eli Greenbaum
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States of America
| | - Michele Menegon
- Tropical Biodiversity Section, MUSE, The Science Museum of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Fabio Pupin
- Tropical Biodiversity Section, MUSE, The Science Museum of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Denise McAloose
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Danny Meirte
- Department of African Biology, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Wilbur Lukwago
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mathias Behangana
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anton Seimon
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, United States of America
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Kolby JE, Ramirez SD, Berger L, Richards-Hrdlicka KL, Jocque M, Skerratt LF. Terrestrial Dispersal and Potential Environmental Transmission of the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125386. [PMID: 25927835 PMCID: PMC4415912 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dispersal and exposure to amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Bd) is not confined to the aquatic habitat, but little is known about pathways that facilitate exposure to wild terrestrial amphibians that do not typically enter bodies of water. We explored the possible spread of Bd from an aquatic reservoir to terrestrial substrates by the emergence of recently metamorphosed infected amphibians and potential deposition of Bd-positive residue on riparian vegetation in Cusuco National Park, Honduras (CNP). Amphibians and their respective leaf perches were both sampled for Bd presence and the pathogen was detected on 76.1% (35/46) of leaves where a Bd-positive frog had rested. Although the viability of Bd detected on these leaves cannot be discerned from our quantitative PCR results, the cool air temperature, closed canopy, and high humidity of this cloud forest environment in CNP is expected to encourage pathogen persistence. High prevalence of infection (88.5%) detected in the recently metamorphosed amphibians and frequent shedding of Bd-positive residue on foliage demonstrates a pathway of Bd dispersal between aquatic and terrestrial habitats. This pathway provides the opportunity for environmental transmission of Bd among and between amphibian species without direct physical contact or exposure to an aquatic habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan E. Kolby
- One Health Research Group, College of Public Health, Medical, and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Operation Wallacea, Wallacea House, Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire, PE23 4EX United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Sara D. Ramirez
- Operation Wallacea, Wallacea House, Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire, PE23 4EX United Kingdom
- Sustainability Studies Program, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Lee Berger
- One Health Research Group, College of Public Health, Medical, and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Merlijn Jocque
- Operation Wallacea, Wallacea House, Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire, PE23 4EX United Kingdom
- Royal Belgian Institute for Natural Sciences, Vautierstraat 29, Brussels, 1000 Belgium
| | - Lee F. Skerratt
- One Health Research Group, College of Public Health, Medical, and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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Zumbado-Ulate H, Bolaños F, Gutiérrez-Espeleta G, Puschendorf R. Extremely low prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in frog populations from neotropical dry forest of Costa Rica supports the existence of a climatic refuge from disease. ECOHEALTH 2014; 11:593-602. [PMID: 25212725 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-014-0967-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Population declines and extinctions of numerous species of amphibians, especially stream-breeding frogs, have been linked to the emerging infectious disease chytridiomycosis, caused by the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. In Central America, most of the 34 species of the Craugastor punctariolus species group have disappeared in recent years in high- and low-elevation rainforests. Distribution models for B. dendrobatidis and the continuous presence of the extirpated stream-dwelling species, Craugastor ranoides, in the driest site of Costa Rica (Santa Elena Peninsula), suggest that environmental conditions might restrict the growth and development of B. dendrobatidis, existing as a refuge from chytridiomycosis-driven extinction. We conducted field surveys to detect and quantify the pathogen using Real-time PCR in samples from 15 species of frogs in two locations of tropical dry forest. In Santa Elena Peninsula, we swabbed 310 frogs, and only one sample of the species, C. ranoides, tested positive for B. dendrobatidis (prevalence <0.1%). In Santa Rosa Station, we swabbed 100 frogs, and nine samples from three species tested positive (prevalence = 9.0%). We failed to detect signs of chytridiomycosis in any of the 410 sampled frogs, and low quantities of genetic equivalents (between 0 and 1073) were obtained from the ten positive samples. The difference in the prevalence between locations might be due not only to the hotter and drier conditions of Santa Elena Peninsula but also to the different compositions of species in both locations. Our results suggest that B. dendrobatidis is at the edge of its distribution in these dry and hot environments of tropical dry forest. This study supports the existence of climatic refuges from chytridiomycosis and highlights the importance of tropical dry forest conservation for amphibians in the face of epidemic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Zumbado-Ulate
- School of Biology, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, San Jose, Costa Rica,
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22
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Swabbing often fails to detect amphibian Chytridiomycosis under conditions of low infection load. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111091. [PMID: 25333363 PMCID: PMC4205094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (denoted Bd), causes large-scale epizootics in naïve amphibian populations. Intervention strategies to rapidly respond to Bd incursions require sensitive and accurate diagnostic methods. Chytridiomycosis usually is assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) amplification of amphibian skin swabs. Results based on this method, however, sometimes yield inconsistent results on infection status and inaccurate scores of infection intensity. In Asia and other regions where amphibians typically bear low Bd loads, swab results are least reliable. We developed a Bd-sampling method that collects zoospores released by infected subjects into an aquatic medium. Bd DNA is extracted by filters and amplified by nested PCR. Using laboratory colonies and field populations of Bombina orientalis, we compare results with those obtained on the same subjects by qPCR of DNA extracted from swabs. Many subjects, despite being diagnosed as Bd-negative by conventional methods, released Bd zoospores into collection containers and thus must be considered infected. Infection loads determined from filtered water were at least 1000 times higher than those estimated from swabs. Subjects significantly varied in infection load, as they intermittently released zoospores, over a 5-day period. Thus, the method might be used to compare the infectivity of individuals and study the periodicity of zoospore release. Sampling methods based on water filtration can dramatically increase the capacity to accurately diagnose chytridiomycosis and contribute to a better understanding of the interactions between Bd and its hosts.
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First evidence of amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) and ranavirus in Hong Kong amphibian trade. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90750. [PMID: 24599268 PMCID: PMC3944218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The emerging infectious amphibian diseases caused by amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Bd) and ranaviruses are responsible for global amphibian population declines and extinctions. Although likely to have been spread by a variety of activities, transcontinental dispersal appears closely associated with the international trade in live amphibians. The territory of Hong Kong reports frequent, high volume trade in amphibians, and yet the presence of Bd and ranavirus have not previously been detected in either traded or free-ranging amphibians. In 2012, a prospective surveillance project was conducted to investigate the presence of these pathogens in commercial shipments of live amphibians exported from Hong Kong International Airport. Analysis of skin (Bd) and cloacal (ranavirus) swabs by quantitative PCR detected pathogen presence in 31/265 (11.7%) and in 105/185 (56.8%) of amphibians, respectively. In addition, the water in which animals were transported tested positive for Bd, demonstrating the risk of pathogen pollution by the disposal of untreated wastewater. It is uncertain whether Bd and ranavirus remain contained within Hong Kong's trade sector, or if native amphibians have already been exposed. Rapid response efforts are now urgently needed to determine current pathogen distribution in Hong Kong, evaluate potential trade-associated exposure to free-ranging amphibians, and identify opportunities to prevent disease establishment.
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Bataille A, Fong JJ, Cha M, Wogan GOU, Baek HJ, Lee H, Min MS, Waldman B. Genetic evidence for a high diversity and wide distribution of endemic strains of the pathogenic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
in wild Asian amphibians. Mol Ecol 2013; 22:4196-4209. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Bataille
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Population Ecology; School of Biological Sciences; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-747 South Korea
| | - Jonathan J. Fong
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Population Ecology; School of Biological Sciences; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-747 South Korea
| | - Moonsuk Cha
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Population Ecology; School of Biological Sciences; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-747 South Korea
| | | | - Hae Jun Baek
- Conservation Genome Research Bank for Korean Wildlife; College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 South Korea
| | - Hang Lee
- Conservation Genome Research Bank for Korean Wildlife; College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 South Korea
| | - Mi-Sook Min
- Conservation Genome Research Bank for Korean Wildlife; College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 South Korea
| | - Bruce Waldman
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Population Ecology; School of Biological Sciences; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-747 South Korea
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