Science Snacks: Amphibian chytrid fungus in rainwater

Paper Title: Presence of amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in rainwater suggests aerial dispersal is possible

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Paper Summary:

Amphibian chytrid fungus poses a severe threat to amphibians worldwide and continues to spread as a consequence of the international wildlife trade, among other factors. This aggressive, hardy fungus is thought to already be responsible for dozens of amphibian extinctions on a global scale. Permanent water bodies are typically believed to be the primary vehicle for spreading chytrid fungus, but Opwall teams, led by Dr Jon Kolby, have also investigated unexplored modes of dispersal at our research site in Cusuco National Park, Honduras. Chytrid fungus was present in rainwater samples found far from permanent water bodies, suggesting that this fungus might also spread by aerial dispersal. For example, contaminated water droplets could be swept up by storms, or be present in the drifting cloud banks characteristic of cloud forests, and carried sizable distances from the source. This discovery could mean that many more species are at risk than previously thought, even those without an association with a permanent body of water. While more research on chytrid fungus is encouraged, these findings do help to influence more informed management decisions.

Authors: Jonathan E. Kolby, Sara D. Ramirez, Lee Berger, Dale W. Griffin, Merlijn Jocque, & Lee F. Skerratt

Journal: Aerobiologia

Year: 2015

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