Naïve rainforest frogs on Cape York, Australia, are at risk of the introduction of amphibian chytridiomycosis disease
Conrad J. Hoskin
A E , Harry B. Hines B , Rebecca J. Webb C , Lee F. Skerratt C D and Lee Berger C D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.
B Ecological Assessment Unit, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, 400 George Street, Brisbane, Qld 4000, Australia.
C One Health Research Group, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.
D Present address: Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3052, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: conrad.hoskin@jcu.edu.au
Australian Journal of Zoology 66(3) 174-178 https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO18041
Submitted: 15 June 2018 Accepted: 15 October 2018 Published: 1 November 2018
Abstract
Amphibian chytridiomycosis disease has caused widespread declines and extinctions of frogs in cool, wet habitats in eastern Australia. Screening suggests that the disease does not yet occupy all areas modelled to be environmentally suitable, including rainforests on Cape York Peninsula. Cape Melville is an area of rainforest with several endemic frogs, including the stream-associated Melville Range treefrog (Litoria andiirrmalin), which is deemed at particular risk of disease impacts. We tested 40 L. andiirrmalin for chytrid infection by PCR and found them all to be negative. In conjunction with previous testing at another high-risk location, McIlwraith Range, this suggests that endemic rainforest frogs on Cape York have been spared the introduction of chytridiomycosis. We discuss how the disease could get to these areas, what can be done to reduce the risk, and suggest an emergency procedure should it be introduced.
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