Heterogeneous Occupancy and Density Estimates of the Pathogenic Fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Waters of North America

摘要: Biodiversity losses are occurring worldwide due to a combination of stressors. For example, by one estimate, 40% amphibian species vulnerable extinction, and disease is threat populations. The emerging infectious chytridiomycosis, caused the aquatic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), contributor declines worldwide. Bd research has focused on dynamics pathogen in its hosts, with little emphasis investigating free-living Bd. Therefore, we investigated patterns occupancy density habitats using models, powerful tools for estimating site detection probability. Occupancy models have been used investigate diseases where focus was occurrence host. We applied North American surface waters determine seasonality, relationships between habitat attributes, probability from water samples as function number samples, sample volume, quality. also report temporal 4-year case study Bd-positive wetland. provide evidence that occurs environment yearround. exhibited spatial heterogeneity density, but did not exhibit seasonality occupancy. detected all months, typically at less than 100 zoospores L 21 . highest observed ,3 million 47% sites sampled, estimated occupied 61% sites, highlighting importance accounting imperfect detection. When present, there 95% chance detecting it four 600 ml or five 60 mL. Our findings important baseline information advance ecology, our understanding exposure over time.