Unexpected Rarity of the Pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Appalachian Plethodon Salamanders: 1957–2011

摘要: Widespread population declines in terrestrial Plethodon salamanders occurred by the 1980s throughout Appalachian Mountains, center of global salamander diversity, with no evident recovery. We tested hypothesis that historic introduction and spread pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) into eastern US was followed declines. expected to detect elevated prevalence Bd prior as observed for Central American plethodontids. 1,498 12 species (892 museum specimens, 606 wild individuals) presence Bd, 94 those salamandrivorans (Bs) ranavirus. Field samples were collected 2011 from 48 field sites across a 767 km transect. Historic specimens at five greatest number longest duration collection (1957–987), four which sampled 2011. None positive but P. cinereus surveys positive. The overall 1957–2011 757 transect 0.2% (95% CI 0.1–0.7%). All negative Bs conclude known amphibian pathogens are unlikely causes these populations. Furthermore, exceptionally low levels region harbor may indicate specific traits limit infection.