Climate structuring of <i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</i> infection in the threatened amphibians of the northern Western Ghats, India.

ABSTRACT: Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a pathogen killing amphibians worldwide. Its impact across much of Asia is poorly characterized. This study systematically surveyed amphibians for Bd across rocky plateaus in the northern section of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, India, including the first surveys of the plateaus in the coastal region. These ecosystems offer an epidemiological model system since they are characterized by differing levels of connectivity, edaphic and climatic conditions, and anthropogenic stressors. One hundred and eighteen individuals of 21 species of Anura and Apoda on 13 plateaus ranging from 67 to 1179 m above sea level and 15.89 to 17.92° North latitude were sampled. Using qPCR protocols, 79% of species and 27% of individuals tested w

SUBMITTER: Thorpe CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6030269 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature