7 research outputs found

    Yang_JEB_ESM_StatAnalysis

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    R markdown document (.Rmd) of all analyses described in the manuscript. Necessary descriptions of the variables and statistical details are included in the comment

    Distribution modeling and lineage diversity of the chytrid fungus <i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</i> (<i>Bd</i>) in a central African amphibian hotspot

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    <div><p>The amphibian disease chytridiomycosis in amphibians is caused by the chytrid fungus <i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</i> (<i>Bd</i>) and has resulted in dramatic declines and extinctions of amphibian populations worldwide. A hypervirulent, globally-dispersed pandemic lineage (<i>Bd</i>-GPL) is thought to be largely responsible for population declines and extinctions, although numerous endemic lineages have also been found. Recent reports of amphibian declines have been linked to the emergence of <i>Bd</i> in Cameroon, a major hotspot of African amphibian diversity. However, it is not known whether <i>Bd</i>-GPL or other lineages have been found in this region. This study therefore aims to examine <i>Bd</i> lineage diversity in the region and predict the distribution of this pathogen under current and future climate conditions using data from this study and from historical records. Almost 15% (52/360) of individuals tested positive for <i>Bd</i> using a standard quantitative PCR diagnostic. Infected amphibians were found at all eight sites sampled in this study. Species distribution models generated in BIOMOD2 indicate that areas with highest predicted environmental suitability occur in the Cameroon highlands and several protected areas throughout the country. These areas of high environmental suitability for <i>Bd</i> are projected to shift or decrease in size under future climate change. However, montane regions with high amphibian diversity are predicted to remain highly suitable. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS sequences obtained from a set of positive <i>Bd</i> samples indicate that most fall within the <i>Bd</i>-GPL lineage while the remainder group with isolates from either Brazil or South Korea. Although more in depth phylogenetic analyses are needed, identification of <i>Bd</i>-GPL lineages in areas of high amphibian diversity emphasizes the need to continue to monitor for <i>Bd</i> and develop appropriate conservation strategies to prevent its further spread.</p></div

    Map of the study region.

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    <p>Locations of the study sites, Campo Ma’an National Park (CM), Ebo Forest (EF), Lobéké National Park (LB), Mbam Djerem National Park (MD), Mount Cameroon village (MCV), Mount Cameroon (MC), Ndikiniméki (ND), and Takamanda (TM) are marked with yellow circles. Previously published <i>Bd</i> sample sites are marked with black circles. The sites sampled in this study have all been previously sampled with the exception of Mbam Djerem National Park and Takamanda. This figure was created with Natural Earth vector and raster map data (<a href="http://naturalearthdata.com" target="_blank">naturalearthdata.com</a>).</p
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