Identifying Species Conservation Strategies to Reduce Disease‐Associated Declines

摘要: Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are a salient threat to many animal taxa, causing local and global extinctions, altering communities ecosystem function. The EID chytridiomycosis is prominent driver of amphibian declines, which caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). To guide conservation policy, we developed predictive decision-analytic model that combines empirical knowledge host-pathogen metapopulation dynamics with expert judgment regarding effects management actions, select from potential strategies. We apply our approach boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas) Bd system, identifying optimal strategies balance tradeoffs in maximizing population persistence landscape-level distribution, while considering costs. most robust strategy expected reduce decline breeding sites 53% 21% over 50 years. Our findings incorporated into policy planning. online modeling application provides template for managers other systems challenged EIDs. This article protected copyright. All rights reserved