Spanish and UK researchers have shown that common toad tadpoles shielded from environmental UV-B radiation have a higher prevalence of infection compared to animals that were exposed to natural levels of UV-B. This association was also observed for the European midwife Alytes, where the prevalence of infection across the Iberian peninsula was inversly correlated with the intensity of natural UV-B. While it is not known why this inverse association occurs the research, published in Conservation Biology, suggests that increasing UVB may affect host behaviour, making transmission of Bd more unlikely, or may stimulate natural the antimicrobial properties of amphibians to reduce infection rates. The research illustrates the importance of considering multiple stressors when analyzing the complex ecological dynamics of infection by Bd.
Thursday, 23 June 2011
UV-B lowers the prevalence of Bd infection
Spanish and UK researchers have shown that common toad tadpoles shielded from environmental UV-B radiation have a higher prevalence of infection compared to animals that were exposed to natural levels of UV-B. This association was also observed for the European midwife Alytes, where the prevalence of infection across the Iberian peninsula was inversly correlated with the intensity of natural UV-B. While it is not known why this inverse association occurs the research, published in Conservation Biology, suggests that increasing UVB may affect host behaviour, making transmission of Bd more unlikely, or may stimulate natural the antimicrobial properties of amphibians to reduce infection rates. The research illustrates the importance of considering multiple stressors when analyzing the complex ecological dynamics of infection by Bd.
Monday, 13 June 2011
Global pandemic affects amphibians – Are you ready to react?
After the publication, we received over 500 responses for the moment, most of them from France, but also from Germany, Spain, Italy, Norway and other European countries. Please, help us spreading the word about this research. The questionnaire exists in three languages
French: http://www.bd-maps.eu/survey/?lang=fr
German: http://www.bd-maps.eu/survey/?lang=de
English: http://www.bd-maps.eu/survey/
Find below the original post.
Please help our research! Currently, we have few means for treating Bd in the wild, and only an active prevention strategy can reduce the further spread of the fungus, and help save our amphibian species. In mountainous regions, walkers, hikers, naturalists, and inhabitants can intervene. Simple gestures may slow down the epidemic, but are you ready to change your habitats? Researchers need to better understand the mechanism of propagation of this pathogen. To assist this research, the RACE project collects data on hiking habits and attitude towards possible conservation measures to stop the spread of this fungus and further amphibian declines. This survey will help this group of researchers to develop mitigation and conservation strategies that are adapted to the public.
Our survey will take you only about 15 minutes and your responses are extremely important and valuable to the researchers!
Please help us and thank you by answering sincerely!
Start the survey here
French: http://www.bd-maps.eu/survey/?lang=fr
German: http://www.bd-maps.eu/survey/?lang=de
English: http://www.bd-maps.eu/survey/
Find below the original post.
Please help our research! Currently, we have few means for treating Bd in the wild, and only an active prevention strategy can reduce the further spread of the fungus, and help save our amphibian species. In mountainous regions, walkers, hikers, naturalists, and inhabitants can intervene. Simple gestures may slow down the epidemic, but are you ready to change your habitats? Researchers need to better understand the mechanism of propagation of this pathogen. To assist this research, the RACE project collects data on hiking habits and attitude towards possible conservation measures to stop the spread of this fungus and further amphibian declines. This survey will help this group of researchers to develop mitigation and conservation strategies that are adapted to the public.
Our survey will take you only about 15 minutes and your responses are extremely important and valuable to the researchers!
Please help us and thank you by answering sincerely!
Start the survey here
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