Calling all herpers! The emergent fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), poses a significant threat to global salamander conservation. No research to investigate the ecology or prevent the spread of Bsal has been implemented in Central America. Henry Adams of the University of Georgia is starting a research study that surveys the Costa Rican salamander community–5th most diverse in the world–for Bsal as well as tests the susceptibility of Costa Rican salamanders to the fungus in order to better inform future conservation planning.
Henry's experiment is part of the Wildlife Disease Association Challenge Grant Challenge Grant - this is a crowdfunding platform, and it is imperative to make his research as visible as possible to fulfill his goals in this critically needed area. His research and experimental goals can be found here: https://experiment.com/projects/are-costa-rican-salamanders-susceptible- to-batrachochytrium-salamandrivorans?donate=1 Please take some time to review his page, share on social media, and donate if you can!
