Spatial Assessment of Amphibian Chytrid Fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in South Africa Confirms Endemic and Widespread Infection

Abstract

Chytridiomycosis has been identified as a major cause of global amphibian declines. Despite widespread evidence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection in South African frogs, sampling for this disease has not focused on threatened species, or whether this pathogen poses a disease risk to these species. This study assessed the occurrence of Bd-infection in South African Red List species. In addition, all known records of infection from South Africa were used to model the ecological niche of Bd to provide a better understanding of spatial patterns and associated disease risk. Presence and prevalence of Bd was determined through quantitative real-time PCR of 360 skin swab samples from 17 threatened species from 38 sites across the country. Average prevalence was 14.8% for threatened species, with pathogen load varying considerably between species. MaxEnt was used to model the predicted distribution of Bd based on 683 positive records for South Africa. The resultant probability threshold map indicated that Bd is largely restricted to the wet eastern and coastal regions of South Africa. A lack of observed adverse impacts on wild threatened populations supports the endemic pathogen hypothesis for southern Africa. However, all threatened species occur within the limits of the predicted distribution for Bd, exposing them to potential Bd-associated risk factors. Predicting pathogen distribution patterns and potential impact is increasingly important for prioritising research and guiding management decisions.

Introduction

Large-scale, enigmatic amphibian declines in the 1990 s in undisturbed regions of the tropics resulted in the identification and description of a novel chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (hereafter Bd) [1]. This non-hyphal zoosporic fungus causes the skin disease, chytridiomycosis, in amphibians and is now recognised as a significant contributor to global amphibian declines [2], [3], [4], [5]. The pathogen has to date been detected in over 500 amphibian species worldwide [6], approximately half of which are species experiencing population declines [3], [7], [8] and has also now been linked to several species extinctions [8], [9], [10]. Strategies to protect amphibians from this disease are therefore essential in the overall campaign to conserve amphibians.

As of the most recent IUCN Red List assessment, 32.4% of 6260 amphibian species are globally threatened (in the categories Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered) or Extinct [11]. These trends are reflected in South Africa, with 29% of frog species listed as threatened [12], [13]. These threatened taxa are distributed through five provinces in South Africa, namely Western Cape (eight species), KwaZulu-Natal (six species), Eastern Cape (three species), Northern Cape (one species) and Limpopo (one species). While loss of habitat due to land transformation has been identified as the most pervasive threat to these species [12], [14], [15], the potential threat of Bd infection in threatened South African frogs has to date not been investigated.

The presence of endemic Bd in Africa in the 1930 s, together with Xenopus spp. exports provided evidence for a pathogen emergence hypothesis [16], [17], [18]. Subsequent detection of Bd with no adverse effects in wild populations from central and east Africa support this hypothesis [19], [20], [21], [22], . However, failure to detect Bd in West Africa and Bd-related population declines in one species from East Africa [24], [25] challenge this hypothesis. Despite the long-term presence of Bd in South Africa little has been done by way of investigating the threat it may pose to indigenous species, in particular those that are Red Listed. No consideration was given to the possible threat of infectious disease to any of the species that were reviewed during the last Red List Assessment of South African frogs [26].

Understanding the distribution of Bd within a region is paramount for implementing protocols for disease management and for determining disease or extinction risk [27]. Ecological niche modelling has become an increasingly used tool for predicting Bd distribution and associated disease risk on both a global [28] and regional scale [29], [30], [31].

Because Bd’s ecological preferences are well understood [32], [33], the use of ecological niche modelling provides an ideal tool for predicting potential distribution of this pathogen. Furthermore, unlike many other pathogens which rely on specific internal host conditions, Bd is an ideal candidate for modelling since infections occur on ecothermic amphibian hosts and the pathogen is directly influenced by external environmental conditions, especially temperature and moisture [34].

Former spatial assessments of Bd [e.g. 28, 29] have limited application in South Africa, because they either do not include records from South Africa or were based on a small number of samples with a limited range, resulting in too broad a spatial scale to be useful on a regional scale. Therefore predictions on a finer scale, using up-to-date data, are necessary to assess Bd distribution in South Africa. This study makes use of a comprehensive database of Bd infection of frogs to predict where the fungus is likely to occur in amphibian hosts within the country. The aims of this study were to assess the occurrence of Bd-infection in South Africa’s threatened frogs, and to model the predicted distribution of Bd to improve the understanding of which species and regions may be at higher infection risk.

Materials and Methods

Prevalence Assessment

Swab samples from threatened South African frog species (IUCN Red List categories: Vulnerable, Endangered and Critically Endangered) were collected at known historic sites known from the South African frog atlas [25] as well as from new sites where the target species occur, which were detected during the course of the field work between 2008 and 2012, primarily during the rainy months (August – March). Individuals of each species were detected via visual, acoustic or opportunistic searches and caught by hand or net. Sample size per site depended on detection likelihood of the target species, but where possible, 20 samples of each species were taken per site (Table 1). This sample size is based on an assumption about the likely prevalence within the sampled population, which is then factored into the equation given a specific confidence interval (e.g. 95%). The result is a minimum sample size that should be screened in order to say with 95% confidence that Bd is not present in the sample when all samples test negative. Thus the lower the assumed prevalence before sampling, the higher the required sample size becomes and vice versa. There generally is high prevalence in populations where Bd is present in South Africa and therefore the target of 20 animals. A second reason for this relatively small sample target was because we were working with threatened species that often occur in low densities, and 20 individuals is a realistic target given the likelihood of finding the animals.

Table 1. Locality data for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis testing in threatened South African frog species, by province.

Site Name	Province	Latitude	Longitude	Target species	Red List Category 2010	N
Coffee Bay	EC	−31.93496	29.08826	Afrixalus spinifrons	NT	1
Dwesa-Cwebe NR	EC	−32.25348	28.87046	Natalobatrachus bonebergi	EN	1
Geelhoutboom River	EC	−33.79434	25.06377	Heleophryne hewitti	EN	32
Hogsback A	EC	−32.59892	26.94552	Anhydrophryne rattrayi	EN	3
Hogsback B	EC	−32.54774	26.91443	Vandijkophrynus amatolicus	CR	1
Martins River	EC	−33.79326	25.03819	Heleophryne hewitti	EN	2
Adam's Mission	KZN	−29.99183	30.78328	Hyperolius pickersgilli	CR	1
Cato River	KZN			Hemisus guttatus	VU	2
Cedara	KZN	−29.55784	30.255406	Afrixalus spinifrons	NT	1
Cowies Hill	KZN	−29.82436	30.59567	Natalobatrachus bonebergi	EN	1
Mtunzini	KZN	−28.96782	31.75322	Hyperolius pickersgilli	CR	4
Fort Nottingham	KZN	−29.4449	29.90642	Afrixalus spinifrons	NT	9
Hilton	KZN	−29.53916	30.28625	Afrixalus spinifrons	NT	2
Isipingo	KZN	−29.99185	30.9056	Hyperolius pickersgilli	CR	46
Kamberg NR	KZN	−29.37361	29.725	Afrixalus spinifrons	NT	3
Lake Merthley	KZN	−29.02242	30.58106	Leptopelis xenodactylus	EN	10
Mt. Moreland	KZN	−29.6382	31.09754	Hyperolius pickersgilli	CR	28
Port Durnford	KZN	−28.90521	31.85801	Hyperolius pickersgilli	CR	6
Prospecton	KZN	−29.98328	30.938	Hyperolius pickersgilli	CR	14
Rosetta	KZN	−29.30417	29.9625	Afrixalus spinifrons	NT	2
Tala NR	KZN	−29.82954	30.53535	Afrixalus spinifrons	NT	2
Umlalazi NR	KZN	−28.95805	31.76472	Hyperolius pickersgilli	CR	1
Vernon Crookes NR	KZN	−30.2786	30.59596	Natalobatrachus bonebergi	EN	17
Widenham	KZN	−30.21718	30.795353	Hyperolius pickersgilli	CR	1
Haernertsburg	LP	−23.93619	29.93916	Breviceps sylvestris	EN	2
Hanglip	LP	−22.99959	29.88359	Breviceps sylvestris	EN	1
Soutspanberg	LP	−22.99599	29.88353	Breviceps sylvestris	EN	2
Woodbush	LP	−23.81111	29.96365	Breviceps sylvestris	EN	16
MacDougal's Bay	NC	−29.26172	16.87107	Breviceps macrops	VU	4
Bergvliet	WC	−34.04864	18.44789	Amietophrynus pantherinus	EN	22
Cape Agulhas	WC	−34.74106	19.67883	Xenopus gilli	EN	25
Cape Point	WC	−34.30603	18.44133	Xenopus gilli	EN	25
Disa Stream	WC	−33.98586	18.39072	Heleophryne rosei	CR	26
Kennilworth	WC	−33.99637	18.48486	Microbatrachella capensis	CR	20
Kirstenhof	WC	−34.08555	18.4525	Amietophrynus pantherinus	EN	7
Noordhoek	WC			Hyperolius horstocki	VU	5
Silvermine NR	WC	−34.10095	18.44809	Capensibufo rosei	VU	35
Skeleton Gorge	WC	−33.98586	18.39072	Heleophryne rosei	CR	8
University of Cape Town	WC	−33.95818	18.45746	Breviceps gibbosus	NT	2
Youngsfield Military Base	WC	−34.00419	18.49025	Amietophrynus pantherinus	EN	2
40 Sites	5 Provinces			17 Species		392 samples

EC = Eastern Cape; KZN = KwaZulu-Natal; LP = Limpopo Province; NC = Northern Cape; WC = Western Cape.

NR = Nature Reserve.

Field sampling protocol follows [35] (but swabs were air-dried and not placed into alcohol). A fresh pair of latex gloves was used for each animal swabbed. The cotton tip of the swab was gently stroked five times each over the ventral surfaces of the thighs, tibia, ventrum and webbing of the frog, which was then released at the point of capture. Re-sampling of the same individual was avoided by keeping individuals in separate bags and postponing swabbing until all frogs had been captured. Swabs were kept refrigerated at approximately 4°C until testing. Equipment and footwear was cleaned and disinfected with 5% bleach solution at the commencement of fieldwork and between sites by following the hygiene protocol of [36].

Molecular Diagnosis of Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis

Real-time TaqMan PCR was used to detect Bd according to the international standard protocol [8]. DNA from skin swabs was extracted using PrepMan Ultra (Applied Biosystems™, Foster City, CA) and analysed for Bd using quantitative real-time TaqMan PCR assays [37] with Bd-specific primers Bd1a (5′-CAGTGTGCCATATGTCACG-3′) and Bd2a (5′-CATGGTTCATATCTGTCCAG-3′) [38]. The StepOnePlus™ real-time PCR system from Applied Biosystems™ was used for the TaqMan assay. Samples were processed in duplicate and standards for quantification of Bd followed [37]. Amplification in both reactions was considered positive, while no amplification was considered negative.

Predictive Distribution Modelling

Predictive modelling software MaxEnt ver. 3.3.3k [39] was used to model the predicted distribution of Bd in South Africa. Maxent output correlates environmental suitability for the target organism, where higher values correspond to a better prediction of better conditions [40]. MaxEnt combines presence-only data [41], [42] with spatially explicit environmental variables [43] to predict species distribution for a given study area. Several studies [39], [42], [44], [45], [46] have proven the effectiveness of MaxEnt as a distribution modelling approach [47], [48] and confirmed its usability for such purposes. See [38] statistical and technical discussion on MaxEnt. One hundred and twenty six (excluding duplicates) Bd-positive presence records with high resolution geo-referencing data (GPS co-ordinates) were compiled from the Africa Bd database (unpublished data), including all samples from this study.

The environmental variables used for the MaxEnt model were bioclimatic variables obtained from BIOCLIM [49], topographic variables derived from an SRTM digital elevation model (DEM) and biome data obtained from the South African National Biodiversity Institute [50]. For the initial modelling, 24 variables were used, of which 19 were bioclimatic variables (continuous), four geo-physical variables and one a biome-type variable (categorical). Of these, 12 variables with the highest contribution to the model were selected for the final run (Table 2). The variables were re-sampled to 250 m grids using ArcGIS v10 [51]. The following model parameters were used: to allow adequate time for convergence, the number of iterations were set to 5000; number of replicates was set to 100 using bootstrapping with 30% of the data used for testing and 70% for training. In an effort to reduce sampling bias, a bias file was used to guide background point selection [52]. Model performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) statistic of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plots [39], [53]. Jack-knife tests of variable importance, using regularised training gain, test gain and AUC for test data, determined which variables made the greatest contribution to the model. From the results of the first model the top ranking variables contributing 90% of the information for the model were identified and used in subsequent models. Four further models were run using the above parameters, but with different combinations of environmental variables. Redundant environmental variables were excluded based on the Jack-knife analysis results of previous models.

Table 2. Environmental variables, and their percentage contribution, included in the final MaxEnt niche model for predicted distribution of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in South Africa.

Key	Variable	Contribution to final model (%)
BIO2	Mean Diurnal Range (Mean of monthly (max temp – min temp)	5.3
BIO9	Mean Temperature of Driest Quarter (°C)	6.4
BIO10	Mean Temperature of Warmest Quarter (°C)	3.7
BIO11	Mean Temperature of Coldest Quarter (°C)	11.8
BIO15	Precipitation Seasonality (Coefficient of Variation)	5.2
BIO16	Precipitation of Wettest Quarter (mm)	8.5
BIO19	Precipitation of Coldest Quarter (mm)	9
Topo	Topography	19.6
dist to water	Distance to water	16.8
Biomes	Biomes	5.1
Slope	Slope	3
Aspect	Aspect	5.5

Ethics

Swab sampling provides a non-invasive method of testing for Bd whereby frogs are not harmed in any way and released shortly after sampling. Ethics clearance for related research was provided by RESEARCH ETHICS APPLICATION - NWU-00013-10-S4, North-West University. Research permits were provided by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Permit Nos. 4485/2008, 4137/2008, OP 64/2010, OP 1180/2010 and 5080/2011); iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority; SANParks (Table Mountain National Park, Agulhas National Park, Namaqua National Park), Cape Nature for the Western Cape Province (Permit No. AAA006-00022-0035 and AAA-004-00046+47-0035) and Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency (Permit No. RA 0109). Permit 028 NW-11 of the Department: Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, North West Provincial Government. Permit WRO 37/03WR of the Department of Ecolonomic Affairs, Environment and Tourism, Province of the Eastern Cape. Permit 001-CPM403-00004 issued by Department of Economic Development, Environment And Tourism, Limpopo Provincial Government.

Results

Prevalence of Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis Infection in South Africa’s Threatened Frogs

In total, 392 swab samples were obtained from 17 (of 20) threatened South African frog species (Tables 1 and 3). Of the 17 threatened species tested, eight of these species were found to be positive for Bd, with an average prevalence of 14.8%. Prevalence in 23 non-threatened sympatric species from these sites was 24.4% (n = 127), which signified a significant difference in infection prevalence between threatened and non-threatened taxa (F[485] = 5.9456, p = 0.01515). Sampling was targeted at sites known to host threatened species and as such was not evenly distributed throughout the country. The majority of samples were therefore obtained in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape lowlands (Figure 1). Of the 40 sites sampled, Bd was present at 20, with an overall infection prevalence of 17.5%. Prevalence varied considerably among taxa, from 79.4% in Heleophryne hewitti (n = 34) to 2.4% in Xenopus gilli (n = 41), with an average prevalence among threatened species of 14.5% (Table 3). The quantitative PCR indicated that the zoospore equivalents (indication of infection intensity) for positive samples varied widely and for statistical purposes values less than 0.05 were excluded, leaving 66 samples for analysis. Average zoospore equivalents ranged between 1375.6 for Afrixalus spinifrons (n = 8) and 0.16 for Xenopus gilli (n = 1). The original survey and infection data has been assimilated with the database of the Global Bd Mapping Project [6].

Table 3. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection data from threatened (Red List 2010) South African frog species.

Species	Red List category	N	Bd Prevalence (%)	Mean zoospore equivalents
Afrixalus spinifrons	VU	20	62.5	1375.6
Amietophrynus pantherinus	EN	31	6.8	7.792
Anhydrophryne rattrayi	EN	3	0	–
Breviceps gibbosus	VU	2	0	–
Breviceps macrops	VU	4	0	–
Breviceps sylvestris	EN	21	0	–
Capensibufo rosei	VU	35	0	–
Heleophryne hewitti	EN	34	79.4	49.78
Heleophryne rosei	CR	34	50	18.97
Hemisus guttatus	VU	2	0	–
Hyperolius horstockii	VU	5	0	–
Hyperolius pickersgilli	CR	101	7	2.92
Leptopelis xenodactylus	EN	10	15.4	61.12
Microbatrachella capensis	CR	20	22.7	6.81
Natalobatrachus bonebergi	EN	19	0	–
Vandijkophrynus amatolicus	CR	1	0	–
Xenopus gilli	EN	50	2.4	0.16
17 species		392 samples	Average: 14.8%	190.4

Figure 1. Map showing Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis swab sample sites for threatened species in South Africa.

Pie-charts represent prevalence (black = positive samples, white = negative); size gives an indication of sample size.

Predictive Modelling

The Bd occurrence data for South Africa included a total of 1, 577 samples that were tested for Bd either by PCR (n = 882) or histopathology (n = 695). Of these, 419 samples were positive for Bd infection, with an overall average prevalence of 26.6% (Table 4). The difference in infection prevalence between threatened (14.7% prevalence) and non-threatened (29.6% prevalence) species was also apparent at the national landscape scale (F[1575] = 13.529, p = 0.00024). The samples were obtained from both wild-caught and archived specimens, from across all nine provinces, and included approximately 62 species (25 genera), spanning occurrence dates between 1938 and 2012 (Table 5).

Table 4. Known Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis occurrence points in South Africa used for predictive distribution modelling (Bd+ =  infected).

Province	Tested individuals	Number of species (of which threatened)	Bd+ Samples	Geo-referenced Bd+ localities
EC	81	15 (5)	45	9
FS	133	7 (0)	26	14
GP	10	1 (0)	0	0
KZN	348	20 (5)	79	48
LP	219	8 (1)	12	7
MP	89	6 (0)	5	12
NC	137	10 (1)	108	3
NW	225	8 (0)	155	0
WC	616	15 (7)	200	28
Total	1858	62 *	630	121

^*each species was counted in every province that it occurred.

EC = Eastern Cape; FS = Free State; GP = Gauteng Province; KZN = KwaZulu-Natal; LP = Limpopo Province; MP = Mpumalanga Province; NC = Northern Cape; NW = North West Province; WC = Western Cape.

Table 5. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) occurrence records (1938–2012) from frog genera in South Africa used in the MaxEnt model.

Genus	N	Prevalence (%)	Geo-referenced
Amietia	466	38.8	39
Afrixalus	41	53.7	27
Amietophrynus	109	11.0	62
Anhydrophryne	4	0	2
Arthroleptis	4	0	0
Breviceps	32	0	32
Cacosternum	79	29.1	9
Capensibufo	32	0	32
Chiromantis	5	20	5
Hadromophryne	6	50	8
Heleophryne	85	63.5	70
Hemisus	7	42.8	3
Hyperolius	148	16.2	65
Kassina	31	19.4	4
Leptopelis	44	22.7	13
Microbatrachella	22	22.7	22
Natalobatrachus	13	0	13
Phrynobatrachus	24	37.5	5
Ptychadena	14	28.6	4
Schismaderma	23	60.9	9
Semnodactylus	4	0	0
Strongylopus	73	49.3	35
Tomopterna	46	28.3	10
Vandijkophrynus	2	50	2
Xenopus	263	9.9	212
Total	1577	26.6% (Avg)	683 *

^*Geo-referenced localities (GPS co-ordinates) include duplicates (multiple records from same locality).

Model accuracy was assessed by area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic (ROC), where 1 =  perfect prediction and 0.5 =  no better than random [54], [55]. For this model, mean test AUC for the Bd model was 0.885 indicating that the model provided a good fit to the data [56]. Analysis of variable contributions (Jack-knife tests) showed that “Precipitation of coldest quarter” (Bio 19), “Precipitation of Wettest Quarter” (Bio 16) and “Distance to water” had the highest predictive power when used in isolation. The resultant threshold map of the predictive model (Figure 2) indicates that occurrence of Bd infection is likely to be highest in the eastern and coastal regions of South Africa, with much of the drier central and northern inland regions unsuitable due to low precipitation and few water bodies that limit occupancy by amphibians and thus Bd. An exception is the Orange River basin in central South Africa that provides climatic refugia for Bd from the surrounding semi-arid environment. Our modeling results show that Bd is predicted to be particularly concentrated along the KwaZulu-Natal escarpment and highlands surrounding Lesotho as well as the lowlands of the Western Cape.

Figure 2. Probability threshold map for predicted occurrence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in South Africa.

Grey indicates areas of medium to high probability of occurrence at a 10% threshold.

Discussion

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Occurrence

The significant role that Bd plays in amphibian declines has meant that understanding its prevalence and distribution is important for managing its spread and preventing introduction to suitable areas that remain disease-free [30], [57]. Knowledge of prevalence and distribution of Bd across South Africa has, until now, not been thoroughly assessed, in particular in terms of infection in Red List species. This study provides the first quantitative data on Bd infection prevalence in South Africa’s threatened species and makes use of Bd occurrence data from all known records in the country to model the predicted geographic distribution of infection.

Our analysis of the historic and present occurrence of Bd in South Africa shows that overall prevalence is 26.6% across all species and 14.5% for threatened species. The survey has identified taxonomic and geographic gaps in the South African Bd database, which can be used to direct future disease surveys. Approximately 39% of all South African species, and 85% of threatened South African species, have been screened for Bd infection to date, with the majority of sampling having been conducted in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Additional sampling is required in central South Africa, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.

Prevalence of infection varied significantly among genera, for both threatened and non-threatened species. Of the nine threatened species for which no infection was detected, six were represented by samples fewer than six individuals. This number is below the minimum objective of 20 individuals required to yield statistically confident results [58], [59], [60] and therefore Bd status in these species could be a consequence of small sample size. Interestingly, none of the three threatened Breviceps species that were tested, including B. sylvestris (n = 28), were infected. This genus employs direct development, is strictly terrestrial, and has therefore little contact with aquatic environments that enhance disease transmission. Similarly, other terrestrial species showed either no (e.g. Capensibufo) or low infection intensity and prevalence (Amietophrynus pantherinus). In contrast, species with highly aquatic life-histories exhibited high infection prevalence. Heleophryne hewitti and Afrixalus spinifrons exhibit the highest prevalence of Bd infection (79.4, 50 and 62.5%, respectively) of all the threatened species. Heleophryne are riverine species that are closely associated with water [61] and as a consequence may be exposed to Bd transmission more frequently than terrestrial species.

Afrixalus spinifrons breeds in open water bodies (ponds, farm dams and wetlands) and males call from emergent vegetation at, or close to, the water’s surface pers. obs., [62]. This frequent contact with water may make this species more prone to infection [33]. The low prevalence and infection intensity in X. gilli, in spite of its aquatic existence, may be an indication of the resistance of this genus to the pathogen [16]. Compared with prevalence in non-threatened species (19.8%) at the same sites for which samples from Red List species were obtained, prevalence among threatened species was lower (14.5%), (range = 0–13 samples per site).

Neither clinical disease signs nor mortality were observed in any of the populations sampled. It should be noted however that three of the four Critically Endangered species tested positive for Bd, with the only exception being V. amatolicus for which only one specimen was screened, and which, again is largely a terrestrial species [63]. This places the Critically Endangered taxa in a particularly high risk category should pathogen virulence be exacerbated through sudden changes in environmental conditions [64].

It is important to recognise the distinction between infection with Bd that has no ill-effects, and infection that may have morbidity and mortality effects at the population level [65], [66], especially in species with high conservation priority. Whether the pathogen becomes lethal is subject to a complex array of factors, including life-history, immune defense system of host species, infection intensity and environmental context that influence the host-pathogen response [67]. Furthermore, host mortality is dependent on host age and size, duration of exposure to Bd, length of hibernation period and pathogen virulence [68]. Data from this study supports the concept that the presence of Bd does not necessarily cause declines in an endemic pathogen environment. The ease with which Bd infection can be detected with modern techniques has meant that investigations into disease-caused declines may have become somewhat neglected [69]. However in South Africa it does not appear that population declines have gone unnoticed due to the comprehensive database that comprises more than a decade of survey data, in addition to archived records spanning over seven decades.

Predicted Distribution

Predictive distribution models provide a practical solution for minimising the rate of false negatives at the population scale and for optimising sample collection [30]. Distribution of Bd is often not homogenous even in regions in which the pathogen is widespread and Bd is able to tolerate a broad range of climatic variables across varying altitudes [30], [31]. Until now, a fine scale model of predicted distribution for Bd in South Africa has not been available. Our MaxEnt model generated from up-to-date data shows patterns consistent with models from other regions of the world, e.g. [30], in that Bd distribution is correlated with generally cooler and wetter areas and excluded from arid areas. The areas with the highest predicted distribution of Bd coincide with the areas that host the highest frog diversity and endemicity in South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape) [12]. However, these regions are also those with the highest number of samples and this may have influenced the model. The model also indicated that Bd can occur in a wide range of locations with conditions ranging from the warm and wet lowlands of KwaZulu-Natal to the more climatic extremes of the Drakensberg escarpment. The central and north-western regions of South Africa were predicted to be least suitable for Bd. More records are needed from the relatively wet Orange River basin that dissects this otherwise dry region to test the extent to which this corridor is able to expand the distribution of Bd from the more suitable east of the country to the less suitable western extreme.

This model may underestimate the full extent of Bd distribution given that zoospores of Bd are able to survive in the absence of an amphibian host for up to seven weeks in water or saprophytically on algae or exoskeleton material [70] and for up to 3 months in sterile sand or on bird feathers [71]. A mathematical model developed by [34] showed that the longer Bd could persist in water, the more likely it was to cause local extinction of an experimentally infected host (Bufo bufo). The capacity to persist for long periods may be partly responsible for the pathogen’s ability to drive amphibian declines. It has recently become known that Bd is not only able to infect crayfish, but is able to transmit from the alternative host to amphibians [72]. This suggests that the potential distribution of Bd is not only governed by amphibian host distribution and climate envelope, but at least to some extent it is also determined by the distribution of possible alternative hosts. No evidence for Bd infecting alternative hosts is available in South Africa, inasmuch it has not been investigated.

The model indicated that the distribution of Bd is most strongly influenced by precipitation of the wettest season and distance from water. This is expected given Bd’s low tolerance for desiccation [73], [74] and dependence on the presence of permanent water for the transmission of aquatic zoospores [75]. The variables “Mean temperature of coldest quarter (°C)” (11.8%) and “Topography” (19.6%) also contributed significantly to the model, indicating Bd’s tolerance for cool temperatures between 10 and 23°C [1], [76], which overlaps with the range of mean winter temperatures for South Africa (−3 to 15°C) and coincides with temperatures in valleys within the Orange River catchment. The influence of topography can be explained further by Bd’s habitat requirements of low-lying water-bodies and generally cooler temperatures that often persist in valleys, especially when vegetation cover is sufficient to allow a cooler environment.

Without exception, all of South Africa’s threatened species have distribution ranges that overlap with the predicted distribution for Bd and as such are thus potentially exposed to Bd infection. As has been shown by the results of the prevalence of Bd infection in threatened species, those with more aquatic life-histories and that are associated with permanent water bodies are most susceptible to infection and risk of disease [32]. Discounting Bd as a threat to terrestrial and direct breeding threatened species should also not be taken for granted considering that some species could be susceptible to infection and that there is partial overlap in distribution with predicted Bd range. Combining life-history factors with knowledge of pathogen distribution will benefit disease risk analysis [27], [31].

Conservation Recommendations

Our model provides a clearer indication of where Bd infection is likely to occur within South Africa, and can be used for identifying species that are at risk of Bd-related declines. [27] identify high-altitude, range-restricted, aquatic species with low fecundity as being those most susceptible to rapid declines. Cognisance of this, together with knowledge of pathogen distribution can help identify species that may be at risk of experiencing Bd-related declines. The threatened South African anurans that fall under these criteria, and which exhibit high infection intensity, may be particularly susceptible to outbreaks of chytridiomycosis. Another species, although not in the highest threat categories, that warrants attention is Amietia vertebralis (Near Threatened) which is endemic to the north-western Drakensberg of KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho. Although declines have not yet been detected, populations of A. vertebralis are the only southern African species for which intermittent mortality has been observed. The effects of external stressors, such as climate change, may exacerbate the impact of Bd on this high altitude species.

Because of the variable and often unpredictable outcome of Bd infection to host fitness, management of this disease should be context specific. Various management strategies have been suggested including mitigating disease at population level and minimising disease threat by regulating amphibian trade [58], [77]. The Office International des Epizooties (OIE) has developed standards pertaining to trade of amphibians and Bd infection [78]. However the export of wild-caught Xenopus laevis from South Africa is ongoing, without screening for Bd being conducted, despite this being identified as a major means of initial dissemination of the pathogen [17], [79]. This undoubtedly poses a risk to native amphibians for importing countries and necessitates the development and implementation of stringent regulations for the international trade of amphibians.

A vigilant approach should also be employed to prevent the introduction of a novel strain that could be potentially lethal to certain South African species. Although Bd appears to now be endemic to many regions of the world, with populations able to persist with low levels of infection [5], [80], experimentation has shown that infection with novel strains of Bd can cause death even when local strains do not [81]. Coupled with the potential unknown effect of additional stressors such as climate change and anthropomorphic habitat transformation, South Africa could still experience population declines as a result of chytridiomycosis. As such, identification of potentially susceptible species and likely areas of infection are essential first steps for any form of mitigation from the development of a surveillance program to ex-situ population management.

Funding Statement

This research (part of JT's PhD) was funded by The Green Trust - Project number GT 1489. Bursary funding was also provided by the National Research Foundation, South Africa. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.