Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Hungary: an overview of recent and historical occurrence

A study on the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in Hungary reveals that it threatens amphibian populations, with an overall prevalence of 7.46% across 16 taxa. The research combined recent field sampling and historical data analysis, focusing on two sentinel species—Bombina variegata and the Pelophylax esculentus complex—in core areas like Hortobágy National Park. Notably, juvenile B. variegata showed higher Bd prevalence than adults, while infection intensity in P. esculentus was unaffected by sex, age, or sampling year. Climatic variables, such as monthly mean air temperature, were also linked to Bd prevalence, suggesting environmental factors influence the pathogen's impact. This comprehensive inventory underscores the need for systematic monitoring to mitigate chytridiomycosis in Hungarian amphibians.

Vörös, J., Herczeg, D., Fülöp, A., Gál, T. J., Dán, Á., Harmos, K., & Bosch, J. (2018). Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Hungary: an overview of recent and historical occurrence. Acta Herpetologica, 13(2), 125–140. https://doi.org/10.13128/acta_herpetol-22611