Strong restructuration of skin microbiota during captivity challenges ex-situ conservation of amphibians.

ABSTRACT: In response to the current worldwide amphibian extinction crisis, conservation instances have encouraged the establishment of ex-situ collections for endangered species. The resulting assurance populations are managed under strict biosecure protocols, often involving artificial cycles of temperature and humidity to induce active and overwintering phases, which likely affect the bacterial symbionts living on the amphibian skin. However, the skin microbiota is an important first line of defense against pathogens that can cause amphibian declines, such as the chytrid Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Determining whether current husbandry practices for assurance populations might deplete amphibians from their symbionts is therefore essential to conservation success. Here, we c

SUBMITTER: Fieschi-Meric L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9986596 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature