Chytridiomycosis in endemic amphibians of the mountain tops of Córdoba and San Luis: a highly important site for conservation in Argentina.

LESCANO, JULIÁN N.; LONGO, SILVANA; ROBLEDO, GERARDO

DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS

INTER-RESEARCH

Lugar: Oldendorf/Luhe; Año: 2012

0177-5103

Chytridiomycosis is a major threat for amphibian conservation. In Argentina, the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has been recorded in several localities and recently, it was registered in amphibians inhabiting low elevations areas of mountain environments in Córdoba and San Luis provinces. We conduct a search of B. dendrobatidis in endemic and non-endemic amphibians of mountain tops of Córdoba and San Luis provinces, Argentina. We collected dead amphibians in the upper vegetation belt of Córdoba´s and San Luis´s mountains. Collected individuals were analyzed with standard histological techniques. The presence of fungal infection was confirmed in five species of the area. Three of these species are endemic from of the mountain tops of both provinces. Although there are no reported population declines in amphibian of Córdoba and San Luis mountains, the presence of B. dendrobatidis in endemic species highlights the need for long term monitoring plans in the area.