Preparing for a Bsal invasion into North America has improved multi-sector readiness
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Western palearctic salamander susceptibility to the skin disease caused by the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) was recognized in 2014, eliciting concerns for a potential novel wave of amphibian declines following the B. dendrobatidis (Bd) chytridiomycosis global pandemic. Although Bsal had not been detected in North America, initial experimental trials supported the heightened susceptibility of caudate amphibians to Bsal chytridiomycosis, recognizing the critical threat this pathogen poses to the North American salamander biodiversity hotspot. Here, we take stock of 10 years of research, collaboration, engagement, and outreach by the North American Bsal Task Force. We summarize main knowledge and conservation actions to both forestall and respond to Bsal invasion into North America. We address the questions: what have we learned; what are current challenges; and are we ready for a more effective reaction to Bsal’s eventual detection? We expect that the many contributions to preemptive planning accrued over the past decade will pay dividends in amphibian conservation effectiveness and can inform future responses to other novel wildlife diseases and extreme threats.
Authors: Deanna H. Olson, Evan H. Campbell Grant, Molly Bletz, Jonah Piovia-Scott, David Lesbarrères, Jacob L. Kerby, Michael J. Adams, Maria Florencia Breitman, Michelle R. Christman, María J. Forzán, Matthew J. Gray, Aubree J. Hill, Michelle S. Koo, Olga Milenkaya, Eria A. Rebollar, Louise A. Rollins-Smith, Megan Serr, Alexander Shepack, Leonard Shirose, Laura Sprague, Jenifer B. Walke, Alexa R. Warwick, Brittany A. Mosher
Institutions: US Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, United States Geological Survey, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Washington State University Vancouver, Environment and Climate Change Canada, University of South Dakota, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Auburn University at Montgomery, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Long Island University, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Tennessee Technological University, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, Warren Wilson College, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Vanderbilt University, Meredith College, Florida International University, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, University of Guelph, Eastern Washington University, Michigan State University, University of Vermont
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,125
OpenAlex ID: W4392554596