Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis occurrence in Eurycea cirrigera

Abstract

Several pathogens affect amphibians, but a chytridiomycete fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, is of particular interest because this pathogen is linked to localized amphibian population declines and extinction of species. Species-specific infections and pathogen distribution are poorly understood, particularly in members of Caudata. We found B. dendrobatidis in adult Eurycea cirrigera (Southern Two-lined Salamander), a species not previously reported as susceptible to this fungal pathogen, and this report is the first record of B. dendrobatidis occurrence in Alabama.