The distribution of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis across the southern Appalachian states, USA

Abstract

D 2013 – The distribution of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis across the southern Appalachian states, USA. Mycosphere 4(2), 250–254, Doi 10.5943/mycosphere/4/2/7 This study documents the occurrence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) associated with the wood frog (Lithobates sylvatica) from the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. This is the first report of Bd from the Park and subsequently from natural amphibian populations in the state of Kentucky. Based on the results of the current survey, a review of the literature, and records downloaded from the database maintained by BD-Maps.net, the following conclusions can be tentatively drawn: (a) the proportion of populations harboring Bd across southern Appalachian states appears to be relatively low, (b) mortality associated with Bd appears to be rare across the region, and (c) the highlands of the southern Appalachian mountains are notably under-sampled and understudied despite their conceivably high potential to contribute to our understanding of the factors predisposing populations to chytridiomycosis.