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. 2019 Feb 12;14(2):e0211960.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211960. eCollection 2019.

Potential risk of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in Mexico

M Delia Basanta  1   2 , Eria A Rebollar  3 , Gabriela Parra-Olea  1
Affiliations

Potential risk of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in Mexico

M Delia Basanta et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

The recent decline in populations of European salamanders caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) has generated worldwide concern, as it is a major threat to amphibians. Evaluation of the areas most suitable for the establishment of Bsal combined with analysis of the distribution of salamander species could be used to generate and implement biosecurity measures and protect biodiversity at sites with high salamander diversity. In this study, we identified the areas most suitable for the establishment of Bsal in Mexico. Mexico has the second-highest salamander species diversity in the world; thus, we identified areas moderately to highly suitable for the establishment of Bsal with high salamander diversity as potential hotspots for surveillance. Central and Southern Mexico were identified as high-risk zones, with 13 hotspots where 30% of Mexican salamander species occur, including range-restricted species and endangered species. We propose that these hotspots should be thoroughly monitored for the presence of Bsal to prevent the spread of the pathogen if it is introduced to the country.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Suitability model for Bsal in Mexico.
(A) Continuous model (B) Categorized model.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Map of salamander richness distribution in Mexico.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Overlap of salamander richness with moderate suitable and high suitable areas for Bsal.
(A) Areas with hotspots. Hotspots identification in: (B) TVB. (C) Los Tuxtlas. (D) SMS in Guerrero. (E) Northern Oaxaca. (F) SMS in Chiapas.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Relationship between hotspots and salamander species.
(A) Number of salamander species present in the hotspot areas and their associated distribution range. (B) Number of salamander species present in the hotspot areas and the associated IUCN categories.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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