Infection with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is common in tropical lowland habitats: Implications for amphibian conservation.

摘要: Numerous species of amphibians declined in Central America during the 1980s and 1990s. These declines mostly affected highland stream have been primarily linked to chytridiomycosis, a deadly disease caused by chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Since then, majority field studies on Bd Tropics conducted midland environments (>800 m) mainly because environmental conditions mountain ranges match range ideal abiotic for laboratory. This unbalanced sampling has led researchers largely overlook host-pathogen dynamics lowlands, where other amphibian same period. We survey testing 47 (n = 348) four lowland sites Costa Rica identify local describe environment these sites. detected three 70% surveyed species. found evidence that study exhibit enzootic with low infection intensity moderate high prevalence (55% overall prevalence). Additionally, we every site represents an independent climatic zone, differences may explain variations dynamics. recommend more detection surveys across lowlands historically considered unsuitable occurrence. data can be used potential outbreaks rediscoveries.