The Tyrolean Alps LTSER platform – providing scientific insights for better management of protected areas. eco.mont (Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research)|eco.mont Vol. 9 No. 1 9 1|

In a fast-changing world, Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research (LTSER) promises to provide new understanding of society-nature interactions. Management of protected areas (PAs) relies heavily on such scientific knowledge to address complex issues. Since large areas within the Tyrolean Alps are under protection, close collaboration between scientists working in LTSER within the Tyrolean Alps and the managers of PAs would be very beneficial for appropriate area management

Testing of Fire Salamanders around Salzburg for Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans within a school project. eco.mont (Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research)|eco.mont Vol. 7 No. 1 7 1|

Amphibians are declining worldwide. Recently an alarmingly steep decline in abundances of Fire Salamanders was reported in the Netherlands. In 2013 a unique fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, was isolated and shown to be responsible for the observed mortality in the Fire Salamander populations. In a project funded by the relevant Austrian ministry, we are cooperating with schools to study the distribution and encourage the protection of Alpine and Fire Salamanders. Consequently we decided to test some of the Fire Salamander populations around Salzburg for the presence of B. salamandrivorans within the framework of this project. In addition, we involved the school children in collecting samples in order to introduce them to a current topic and to sensitize them to issues of amphibian protection. Of the 58 skin samples of Fire Salamanders from 8 different locations collected in autumn 2013, none tested positive for the presence of B. salamandrivorans. These results suggest that there is no evidence for infected Fire Salamanders in the study areas around Salzburg