Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Kansas

Abstract

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been implicated in the decline of amphibians worldwide and was first noted in Kansas in 2014 in Kingman and Sedgwick Counties. The objectives of this study were to further assess the presence of Bd throughout the state. We sampled anurans at 25 locations throughout the state and Bd was detected at six sample locations: Marais Des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge, Farlington Fish Hatchery, Hadley Ranch, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area, and Jamestown Wildlife Area and across six species: Gray Treefrogs, Boreal Chorus Frogs, Woodhouse's Toads, Blanchard's Cricket Frogs, Plains Leopard Frogs, and American Bullfrogs. We did not find evidence that Bd was negatively impacting populations at this time. We suggest continued monitoring of anuran populations to ensure population survival into the future.