Application of the survey protocol for chytridiomycosis to Queensland, Australia

A systematic survey of the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in Queensland, Australia, revealed that Bd is confined to rainforest and adjacent wet eucalypt habitats, with no detections in inland or northern bioregions despite their proximity to infected areas for up to 30 years. This suggests that much of inland and northern Australia remains too hot and dry to support Bd, aligning with biogeographic climatic models. The study applied a standardized survey protocol, successfully mapping Bd's distribution and highlighting the limited potential for further spread in Queensland. Management priorities should focus on mitigating Bd's impact in affected populations and facilitating frog dispersal into historical ranges. This approach could be adapted globally to map Bd distribution elsewhere.

Skerratt, L., McDonald, K., Hines, H., Berger, L., Mendez, D., Phillott, A., Cashins, S., Murray, K., & Speare, R. (2010). Application of the survey protocol for chytridiomycosis to Queensland, Australia. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 92(3), 117–129. https://doi.org/10.3354/dao02272