Meeting Abstract
Batrachochytrium denrobatidis (Bd) is a fungus that causes the disease chytridiomycosis (chytrid) and is associated with widespread amphibian declines. Recently, in Hungary, Bombina variegata have been found to be infected with chytrid, yet their susceptibility to chytrid has not been well studied. Even less research has been performed on Hyla arborea, a species believed to be a reservoir for chytrid. We tested the hypothesis that overwintering Salamandra salamandra larvae are a vector for Bd by exposing B. variegata, and Hyla arborea tadpoles to Bd positive overwintering larvae or young of year larvae that were Bd negative. Bd is known to induce a stress response in amphibians resulting in an increase of corticosterone (CORT). We explored CORT release rates using a non-invasive waterborne hormone technique, Bd loads, growth and development. We found that tadpoles of B. variegata had higher Bd loads and greater proportion of individuals infected than H. arborea. Tadpoles of both species exposed to Bd positive larvae had elevated CORT release rates compared to tadpoles exposed to Bd negative larvae. Based on our findings, S. salamandra is a vector for Bd and B. variegata appear to be more susceptible to infection than H. arborea based on measured Bd loads.
