The Impact of Disease and Climate Change on Amphibians
Author Information
Author(s): Karen R. Lips, Jay Diffendorfer, Joseph R. Mendelson III, Michael W. Sears
Primary Institution: Southern Illinois University
Hypothesis
Is climate change driving the spread of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and causing amphibian declines?
Conclusion
The spread of chytrid fungus, rather than climate change, best explains amphibian declines in Central and South America.
Supporting Evidence
- Amphibian declines in Central and South America are best explained by Bd spreading through upland populations.
- Four separate introductions of Bd into South America were identified.
- Climate change does not appear to be driving outbreaks of chytridiomycosis.
Takeaway
A disease called chytridiomycosis is making frogs sick and causing them to disappear, and it's not because of climate change.
Methodology
The study compiled reports of amphibian declines and created maps and statistical models to analyze the spread of Bd.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in the data collection methods and the reliance on historical records may affect the conclusions.
Limitations
The study faced challenges due to limited data availability and uncertainties in the timing of amphibian declines.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.0067
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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