State of the World's Amphibians

Catenazzi, Alessandro

doi:10.1146/annurev-environ-102014-021358

Cited by 156 publications

(109 citation statements)

References 144 publications

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“…boylii extirpations from southern California. Responses centered around several common hypotheses of amphibian declines, including chytridiomycosis, pet trade, exotic species, and climate change (Catenazzi, ); however, two relatively unique threats emerged: increased recreational use of habitats and extreme flooding (Table ). Three respondents reported observing the localized extirpation of once‐abundant R .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rapid extirpation of a North American frog coincides with an increase in fungal pathogen prevalence: Historical analysis and implications for reintroduction

Adams

Pessier

Briggs

2017

Ecology and Evolution

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As extinctions continue across the globe, conservation biologists are turning to species reintroduction programs as one optimistic tool for addressing the biodiversity crisis. For repatriation to become a viable strategy, fundamental prerequisites include determining the causes of declines and assessing whether the causes persist in the environment. Invasive species—especially pathogens—are an increasingly significant factor contributing to biodiversity loss. We hypothesized that Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the causative agent of the deadly amphibian disease chytridiomycosis, was important in the rapid (<10 years) localized extirpation of a North American frog (Rana boylii) and that Bd remains widespread among extant amphibians in the region of extirpation. We used an interdisciplinary approach, combining interviews with herpetological experts, analysis of archived field notes and museum specimen collections, and field sampling of the extant amphibian assemblage to examine (1) historical relative abundance of R. boylii; (2) potential causes of R. boylii declines; and (3) historical and contemporary prevalence of Bd. We found that R. boylii were relatively abundant prior to their rapid extirpation, and an increase in Bd prevalence coincided with R. boylii declines during a time of rapid change in the region, wherein backcountry recreation, urban development, and the amphibian pet trade were all on the rise. In addition, extreme flooding during the winter of 1969 coincided with localized extirpations in R. boylii populations observed by interview respondents. We conclude that Bd likely played an important role in the rapid extirpation of R. boylii from southern California and that multiple natural and anthropogenic factors may have worked in concert to make this possible in a relatively short period of time. This study emphasizes the importance of recognizing historical ecological contexts in making future management and reintroduction decisions.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rapid extirpation of a North American frog coincides with an increase in fungal pathogen prevalence: Historical analysis and implications for reintroduction

Adams

Pessier

Briggs

2017

Ecology and Evolution

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“…Tackling amphibian declines has been challenging, as it appears that there is not a single cause for the phenomenon, but rather an interaction of multiple stressors (Bishop et al, ; Catenazzi, ; Hayes, Falso, Gallipeau, & Stice, ). However, many initiatives have been put in place including the IUCN Global Amphibian Assessment in 2004 (Stuart et al, ); the creation of the Amphibian Ark and the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group in 2006; the production of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan in 2007 (Gascon et al, ); and the formation of the Amphibian Survival Alliance in 2011 (Bishop et al, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comparison of understanding of the amphibian crisis by zoo visitors across three countries

et al. 2019

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Despite the global declines in the rate of amphibians, evaluation of public understanding of the crisis has not yet been carried out. We surveyed visitors (n = 1,293) at 15 zoos in Brazil, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, using a certainty‐based assessment method to compare visitor knowledge of the global amphibian crisis. We further analyzed zoo educational material about amphibians to explore its potential to raise awareness through amphibian‐focused environmental education. Visitors in the three countries had relatively little understanding of amphibians and the global amphibian crisis. When the degree of confidence in answering the questions (high, medium, and low) is accounted for, correct answers varied between 28% and 39%. This compared to scores of between 58% and 73% when the degree of confidence in responding was not accounted for. However, specific areas of knowledge (e.g., biology, conservation, biogeography, and conceptual ideas) varied significantly across the countries. Visitors had a weaker grasp of biogeographical and conservation issues than general amphibian biology. Zoo visitors in Brazil knew less about amphibian conservation than those in New Zealand or the United Kingdom. There was less amphibian‐focused content in educational materials in zoos in Brazil than there was in the United Kingdom. Improving information about the global amphibian crisis may increase support for future conservation actions. Outreach education is one of the most important approaches in any strategic planning for conservation of species. Amphibian‐focused environmental education at institutions such as zoos and aquaria can be a crucial intervention to support amphibian conservation worldwide.

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“…Amphibians are the most threatened class of vertebrates in the midst of the biodiversity crisis the world is currently experiencing (Stuart et al., ). Underlying factors such as loss of habitat, pollution and infectious disease are continuously pressuring the survival of amphibian populations and species around the world (Catenazzi, ). Among the major infectious diseases, negatively impacting amphibian survival in the wild is the recently described chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans ( Bsal ), which like its closest relative Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ( Bd ), is able to cause the lethal skin disease chytridiomycosis in amphibians (Longcore, Pessier, & Nichols, ; Martel et al., ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recommendations on diagnostic tools for Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans

Thomas

Blooi

Rooij

et al. 2018

Transbound Emerg Dis

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Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) poses a major threat to amphibian, and more specifically caudata, diversity. Bsal is currently spreading through Europe, and mitigation measures aimed at stopping its spread and preventing its introduction into naïve environments are urgently needed. Screening for presence of Bsal and diagnosis of Bsal-induced disease in amphibians are essential core components of effective mitigation plans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present an overview of all Bsal diagnostic tools together with their limitations and to suggest guidelines to allow uniform interpretation. Here, we investigate the use of different diagnostic tools in post-mortem detection of Bsal and whether competition between Bd and Bsal occurs in the species-specific Bd and Bsal duplex real-time PCR. We also investigate the diagnostic sensitivity, diagnostic specificity and reproducibility of the Bsal real-time PCR and show the use of immunohistochemistry in diagnosis of Bsal-induced chytridiomycosis in amphibian samples stored in formaldehyde. Additionally, we have drawn up guidelines for the use and interpretation of the different diagnostic tools for Bsal currently available, to facilitate standardization of execution and interpretation.

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State of the World's Amphibians

Cited by 156 publications

References 144 publications

Rapid extirpation of a North American frog coincides with an increase in fungal pathogen prevalence: Historical analysis and implications for reintroduction

Rapid extirpation of a North American frog coincides with an increase in fungal pathogen prevalence: Historical analysis and implications for reintroduction

A comparison of understanding of the amphibian crisis by zoo visitors across three countries

Recommendations on diagnostic tools for Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans

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