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Everts T, Van Driessche C, Neyrinck S, Haegeman A, Ruttink T, Jacquemyn H, Brys R. Phenological mismatches mitigate the ecological impact of a biological invader on amphibian communities. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2024:e3017. [PMID: 39118362 DOI: 10.1002/eap.3017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Horizon scans have emerged as a valuable tool to anticipate the incoming invasive alien species (IAS) by judging species on their potential impacts. However, little research has been conducted on quantifying actual impacts and assessing causes of species-specific vulnerabilities to particular IAS due to persistent methodological challenges. The underlying interspecific mechanisms driving species-specific vulnerabilities therefore remain poorly understood, even though they can substantially improve the accuracy of risk assessments. Given that interspecific interactions underlying ecological impacts of IAS are often shaped by phenological synchrony, we tested the hypothesis that temporal mismatches in breeding phenology between native species and IAS can mitigate their ecological impacts. Focusing on the invasive American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), we combined an environmental DNA (eDNA) quantitative barcoding and metabarcoding survey in Belgium with a global meta-analysis, and integrated citizen-science data on breeding phenology. We examined whether the presence of native amphibian species was negatively related to the presence or abundance of invasive bullfrogs and whether this relationship was affected by their phenological mismatches. The field study revealed a significant negative effect of increasing bullfrog eDNA concentrations on native amphibian species richness and community structure. These observations were shaped by species-specific vulnerabilities to invasive bullfrogs, with late spring- and summer-breeding species being strongly affected, while winter-breeding species remained unaffected. This trend was confirmed by the global meta-analysis. A significant negative relationship was observed between phenological mismatch and the impact of bullfrogs. Specifically, native amphibian species with breeding phenology differing by 6 weeks or less from invasive bullfrogs were more likely to be absent in the presence of bullfrogs than species whose phenology differed by more than 6 weeks with that of bullfrogs. Taken together, we present a novel method based on the combination of aqueous eDNA quantitative barcoding and metabarcoding to quantify the ecological impacts of biological invaders at the community level. We show that phenological mismatches between native and invasive species can be a strong predictor of invasion impact regardless of ecological or methodological context. Therefore, we advocate for the integration of temporal alignment between native and IAS's phenologies into invasion impact frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teun Everts
- Genetic Diversity, Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Geraardsbergen, Belgium
- Department of Biology, Plant Conservation and Population Biology, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Van Driessche
- Genetic Diversity, Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Geraardsbergen, Belgium
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sabrina Neyrinck
- Genetic Diversity, Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Geraardsbergen, Belgium
| | - Annelies Haegeman
- Plant Science Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Melle, Belgium
| | - Tom Ruttink
- Plant Science Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Melle, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Jacquemyn
- Department of Biology, Plant Conservation and Population Biology, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Rein Brys
- Genetic Diversity, Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Geraardsbergen, Belgium
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Borteiro C, Laufer G, Gobel N, Arleo M, Kolenc F, Cortizas S, Barrasso DA, de Sá RO, Soutullo A, Ubilla M, Martínez-Debat C. Widespread occurrence of the amphibian chytrid panzootic lineage in Uruguay is constrained by climate. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2024; 158:123-132. [PMID: 38813853 DOI: 10.3354/dao03783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) causes chytridiomycosis, a disease among the main causes of amphibian declines worldwide. However, Bd studies on Neotropical amphibians from temperate areas are scarce. We present a comprehensive survey of Bd in Uruguay, in temperate central eastern South America, carried out between 2006 and 2014. Skin swabs of 535 specimens of 21 native and exotic frogs were tested by PCR. We used individual-level data to examine the relationship between infection, climatic variables, and their effects on body condition and the number of prey items found in stomach contents. Infection was widespread in free-ranging anurans with an overall prevalence of 41.9%, detected in 15 native species, wild American bullfrogs Aquarana catesbeiana, and captive specimens of Ceratophrys ornata and Xenopus laevis. Three haplotypes of the Bd ITS region were identified in native amphibians, all belonging to the global panzootic lineage (BdGPL), of which only one was present in exotic hosts. Despite high infection frequencies in different anurans, we found no evidence of morbidity or mortality attributable to chytridiomycosis, and we observed no discernible impact on body condition or consumed prey. Climatic conditions at the time of our surveys suggested that the chance of infection is associated with monthly mean temperature, mean humidity, and total precipitation. Temperatures below 21°C combined with moderate humidity and pronounced rainfall may increase the likelihood of infection. Multiple haplotypes of BdGPL combined with high frequencies of infection suggest an enzootic pattern in native species, underscoring the need for continued monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Borteiro
- Sección Herpetología, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
| | - Gabriel Laufer
- Área Biodiversidad y Conservación, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
- Vida Silvestre Uruguay, Montevideo 11100, Uruguay
| | - Noelia Gobel
- Área Biodiversidad y Conservación, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
- Vida Silvestre Uruguay, Montevideo 11100, Uruguay
| | - Mailén Arleo
- Sección Bioquímica, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Francisco Kolenc
- Sección Herpetología, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
| | - Sofía Cortizas
- Grupo de Agroecología, Sustentabilidad y Medio Ambiente, Universidad Tecnológica del Uruguay, Durazno 97000, Uruguay
| | - Diego A Barrasso
- Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral (IDEAus-CONICET), and Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia 'San Juan Bosco' (UNPSJB), Puerto Madryn 9120, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Rafael O de Sá
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia 23173, USA
| | - Alvaro Soutullo
- Departamento de Ecología y Gestión Ambiental, Centro Universitario Regional del Este, Punta del Este 20100, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Martin Ubilla
- Departamento de Paleontología-ICG, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Claudio Martínez-Debat
- Sección Bioquímica, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
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Fisher MC, Pasmans F, Martel A. Virulence and Pathogenicity of Chytrid Fungi Causing Amphibian Extinctions. Annu Rev Microbiol 2021; 75:673-693. [PMID: 34351790 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-052621-124212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ancient enzootic associations between wildlife and their infections allow evolution to innovate mechanisms of pathogenicity that are counterbalanced by host responses. However, erosion of barriers to pathogen dispersal by globalization leads to the infection of hosts that have not evolved effective resistance and the emergence of highly virulent infections. Global amphibian declines driven by the rise of chytrid fungi and chytridiomycosis are emblematic of emerging infections. Here, we review how modern biological methods have been used to understand the adaptations and counteradaptations that these fungi and their amphibian hosts have evolved. We explore the interplay of biotic and abiotic factors that modify the virulence of these infections and dissect the complexity of this disease system. We highlight progress that has led to insights into how we might in the future lessen the impact of these emerging infections. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom;
| | - Frank Pasmans
- Wildlife Health Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - An Martel
- Wildlife Health Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Accurate detection and quantification of seasonal abundance of American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) using ddPCR eDNA assays. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11282. [PMID: 34050232 PMCID: PMC8163797 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90771-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The invasive American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) imperils freshwater biodiversity worldwide. Effective management hinges on early detection of incipient invasions and subsequent rapid response, as established populations are extremely difficult to eradicate. Although environmental DNA (eDNA) detection methods provide a highly sensitive alternative to conventional surveillance techniques, extensive testing is imperative to generate reliable output. Here, we tested and compared the performance of two primer/probe assays to detect and quantify the abundance of bullfrogs in Western Europe in silico and in situ using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). Although both assays proved to be equally target-specific and sensitive, one outperformed the other in ddPCR detection resolution (i.e., distinguishing groups of target-positive and target-negative droplets), and hence was selected for further analyses. Mesocosm experiments revealed that tadpole abundance and biomass explained 99% of the variation in eDNA concentration. Because per individual eDNA emission rates did not differ significantly among tadpoles and juveniles, and adults mostly reside out of the water, eDNA concentration can be used as an approximation of local bullfrog abundance in natural populations. Seasonal eDNA patterns in three colonized ponds showed parallel fluctuations in bullfrog eDNA concentration. An increase in eDNA concentration was detected in spring, followed by a strong peak coinciding with the breeding season (August, September or October), and continuously low eDNA concentrations during winter. With this study, we report the validation process required for appropriately implementing eDNA barcoding analyses in lentic systems. We demonstrate that this technique can serve as a solid and reliable tool to detect the early stages of bullfrog invasions and to quantify temporal changes in abundance that will be useful in coordinating large-scale bullfrog eradication programs and evaluating their efficiency.
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Martín-Torrijos L, Martínez-Ríos M, Casabella-Herrero G, Adams SB, Jackson CR, Diéguez-Uribeondo J. Tracing the origin of the crayfish plague pathogen, Aphanomyces astaci, to the Southeastern United States. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9332. [PMID: 33927290 PMCID: PMC8085144 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88704-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The oomycete Aphanomyces astaci is an emerging infectious pathogen affecting freshwater crayfish worldwide and is responsible for one of the most severe wildlife pandemics ever reported. The pathogen has caused mass mortalities of freshwater crayfish species in Europe and Asia, and threatens other susceptible species in Madagascar, Oceania and South America. The pathogen naturally coexists with some North American crayfish species that are its chronic carriers. Presumptions that A. astaci originated in North America are based on disease outbreaks that followed translocations of North American crayfish and on the identification of the pathogen mainly in Europe. We studied A. astaci in the southeastern US, a center of freshwater crayfish diversity. In order to decipher the origin of the pathogen, we investigated (1) the distribution and haplotype diversity of A. astaci, and (2) whether there are crayfish species-specificities and/or geographical restrictions for A. astaci haplotypes. A total of 132 individuals, corresponding to 19 crayfish species and one shrimp species from 23 locations, tested positive for A. astaci. Mitochondrial rnnS and rnnL sequences indicated that A. astaci from the southeastern US exhibited the highest genetic diversity so far described for the pathogen (eight haplotypes, six of which we newly describe). Our findings that A. astaci is widely distributed and genetically diverse in the region supports the hypothesis that the pathogen originated in the southeastern US. In contrast to previous assumptions, however, the pathogen exhibited no clear species-specificity or geographical patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Martín-Torrijos
- Department of Mycology, Real Jardín Botánico-CSIC, Plaza Murillo 2, 28014, Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Martínez-Ríos
- Department of Mycology, Real Jardín Botánico-CSIC, Plaza Murillo 2, 28014, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Susan B Adams
- USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research, 1000 Front Street, Oxford, MS, 38655, USA
| | - Colin R Jackson
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
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