In a vulnerable position? Preliminary survey work fails to detect the amphibian chytrid pathogen in the highlands of Cameroon, an amphibian hotspot

Authors: Doherty-Bone, T.M.; Bielby, J.; Gonwouo, N.L.; LeBreton, M.; Cunningham, A.A.

Source: The Herpetological Journal, Volume 18, Number 2, April 2008 , pp. 115-118(4)

Publisher: British Herpetological Society

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Abstract:

Establishing the presence in a region of the lethal amphibian pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is important for predicting changes in amphibian assemblages, particularly in areas of high amphibian biodiversity. We examined 283 specimens of 26 anuran and one caecilian species inhabiting the highlands within North West Province, Cameroon, for the presence of B. dendrobatidis using real time PCR. All samples were negative for this pathogen. This part of Africa is a global hotspot for amphibian biodiversity. Our findings suggest that amphibians in this region are possibly naive to chytrid and are, therefore, at risk from the introduction of this pathogen.

Keywords: AFRICA; AMPHIBIANS; BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS; BIAFRAN HIGHLANDS

Document Type: Short communication

Publication date: 2008-04-01

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The Herpetological Journal is an international scientific journal that publishes papers on the natural history of amphibians and reptiles. Experimental, observational and theoretical studies are published along with reviews and book reviews. Faunistic lists, letters and results of general surveys are not published unless they shed light on herpetological problems of wider significance.
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