Prevalence of pathogenic chytrid fungus on a flagship species, Atelopus varius (Anura, Bufonidae), Las Tablas Protection Zone, Costa Rica
Introduction: The harlequin toad, Atelopus varius, is critically endangered and was declared “apparently extinct” in Costa Rica in 1996. One of the possible causes was the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. A live population was rediscovered in Las Tablas in 2008 and here we analyze the situation with this fungus. Objective: To evaluate prevalence and probability of infection of the toad by B. dendrobatidis. Methods: We collected swabs skin samples from live individuals (for DNA tests) and histological pieces from dead individuals (for direct microscopic observation). Results: From 363, only 6% had the fungus, particularly subadults. Conclusion: The toad population seems to be stable but care must be taken not to spread the fungus.
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | spa |
| Published: |
Universidad Estatal a Distancia, Costa Rica
2021
|
| Online Access: | https://revistas.uned.ac.cr/index.php/cuadernos/article/view/3880 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|