High environmental niche overlap between the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and invasive bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) enhance the potential of disease transmission in the Americas

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Chytridiomycosis is linked to several amphibian population declines, including local extinctions. Besides this, it is already widespread over the globe, and one of the possible carriers is believed to be the American bullfrog. In order to assess whether the successful establishment of invasive bullfrog populations is associated with environmental suitability for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), we evaluated the close linkage between the fungus (Bd) and bullfrogs by measuring their environmental niche overlap. Our results indicate that Bd and bullfrogs largely overlap in their realized niches, wherein Bd occupies a larger climate space in which the bullfrogs' niche is nested. Therefore, our results strengthen the bullfrog carrier hypothesis. Besides this, we suggest that Bd can colonize areas adjacent to the bullfrogs' realized niche, infecting other species of native wild frogs. Central and South American governments must be aware of such problem and the international frog trade must be controlled to avoid further disease spreading.91178184Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)National Science Foundation (NSF)US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)'Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt' (DBU)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP