Abstract
BackgroundThe amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has been implicated as a primary cause of decline in many species around the globe. However, there are some species and populations that are known to become infected in the wild, yet declines have not been observed. Here we conducted a yearlong capture-mark-recapture study and a 2-year long disease monitoring study of northern cricket frogs, Acris crepitans, in the lowland subtropical forests of Louisiana.ResultsWe found little evidence for an impact of Bd infection on survival; however, Bd infection did appear to cause sublethal effects, including increased capture probability in the field.ConclusionsOur study suggests that even in apparently stable populations, where Bd does not appear to cause mortality, there may be sublethal effects of infection that can impact a host population’s dynamics and structure. Understanding and documenting such sublethal effects of infection on wild, seemingly stable populations is important, particularly for predicting future population declines.
Highlights
The amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has been implicated as a primary cause of decline in many species around the globe
We aimed to determine the impact of Bd on survival and capture probability across seasons, as well as compare yearly infection dynamics of A. crepitans with other sympatric species to better understand the impacts of Bd infection on wild populations
Through the infection dynamics field study, we found that seasonality plays a large role in infection dynamics in A. crepitans, with higher infection load and intensity in the cooler months (January–May), and near zero infection in the warmer months (July– November)
Summary
The amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has been implicated as a primary cause of decline in many species around the globe. There are some species and populations that are known to become infected in the wild, yet declines have not been observed. Some of the most impactful infectious diseases of wildlife have been fungal, and these have caused catastrophic declines and even extinctions in both plants and animals [2]. The fungal disease chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), affects amphibians and has been named one of the most devastating wildlife diseases in recorded history [3]. Chytridiomycosis is known to have caused population declines in a number of susceptible frog species around the world [4, 5]. Less is known about its impacts on less-susceptible species, i.e., those that are infected in the wild but show no evidence of decline due to disease.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
