Naive rainforest frogs on Cape York, Australia, are at risk of the introduction of amphibian chytridiomycosis disease
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Amphibian chytridiomycosis disease has caused widespread declines and extinctions of frogs in cool, wet habitats in eastern Australia. Screening suggests that the disease does not yet occupy all areas modelled to be environmentally suitable, including rainforests on Cape York Peninsula. Cape Melville is an area of rainforest with several endemic frogs, including the stream-associated Melville Range treefrog (Litoria andiirrmalin), which is deemed at particular risk of disease impacts. We tested 40 L. andiirrmalin for chytrid infection by PCR and found them all to be negative. In conjunction with previous testing at another high-risk location, McIlwraith Range, this suggests that endemic rainforest frogs on Cape York have been spared the introduction of chytridiomycosis. We discuss how the disease could get to these areas, what can be done to reduce the risk, and suggest an emergency procedure should it be introduced.
Journal
Australian Journal of Zoology
Publication Name
Australian Journal of Zoology
Volume
66
ISBN/ISSN
1446-5698
Edition
N/A
Issue
3
Pages Count
5
Location
N/A
Publisher
CSIRO Publishing
Publisher Url
N/A
Publisher Location
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Publish Date
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Url
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Date
N/A
EISSN
N/A
DOI
10.1071/ZO18041