Overview of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Utah, with a focus on Boreal Toads and their changing conservation status
Class
Article
Department
Wildland Resources
Faculty Mentor
Karen Beard
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
The Boreal Toad (Anaxyrus boreas) has disappeared from a large portion of its range in southern Utah and it has been questioned whether Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd, also known as chytrid) has played a role in its disappearance. The role of chytrid in range contraction of Boreal Toads and other amphibians in Utah is unknown. This project seeks to review and document amphibian species affected by the fungus in the state of Utah and to determine whether there is a correlation between the presence of chytrid and Boreal Toad disappearance. Previously collected Boreal Toad specimens were sampled for chytrid from the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum. Sampling preserved specimens for chytrid is fundamental for a complete understanding of Boreal Toad disappearance in Utah. This research reviews present-day sampling of chytrid in Boreal Toads and other amphibians throughout Utah to make progress in determining the history of chytrid throughout the state and over time. The research results will yield better documentation of chytrid prevalence in Utah and further examine the role of chytrid in Boreal Toad decline.
Start Date
4-9-2015 9:00 AM
Overview of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Utah, with a focus on Boreal Toads and their changing conservation status
The Boreal Toad (Anaxyrus boreas) has disappeared from a large portion of its range in southern Utah and it has been questioned whether Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd, also known as chytrid) has played a role in its disappearance. The role of chytrid in range contraction of Boreal Toads and other amphibians in Utah is unknown. This project seeks to review and document amphibian species affected by the fungus in the state of Utah and to determine whether there is a correlation between the presence of chytrid and Boreal Toad disappearance. Previously collected Boreal Toad specimens were sampled for chytrid from the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum. Sampling preserved specimens for chytrid is fundamental for a complete understanding of Boreal Toad disappearance in Utah. This research reviews present-day sampling of chytrid in Boreal Toads and other amphibians throughout Utah to make progress in determining the history of chytrid throughout the state and over time. The research results will yield better documentation of chytrid prevalence in Utah and further examine the role of chytrid in Boreal Toad decline.