In This Issue

Abstract

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) infection is a leading cause of the global decline of amphibians. Bie et al. used space–time scan statistics and the maximum entropy model for spatial risk analysis of the global distribution of Bd. The results of the space–time scan statistics showed seven clusters, while the maximum entropy model showed that annual precipitation had the largest contribution percentage, and annual mean temperature highly influenced Bd distribution. The relationships between climate factors, wind speed, solar radiation, and Bd distribution were evaluated to predict the risk area of Bd distribution. Rahman et al. conducted a preliminary study in Bangladesh that showed a 15% prevalence rate of Bd across 133 amphibian samples, with eight host species and one genus discovered to be newly infected hosts. The research is only focused in a small geographical area, yet the findings have key implications for global scientific communities. Granados-Martı́nez et al. quantified changes in the climatic niche and geographic distribution of a susceptible frog host species in response to the introduced pathogen Bd. The results show that the frog exhibited a severe niche contraction, as consequence, the geographic distribution decreased by 98%. Extant populations seem to have been pushed toward dry and warm environments where they currently persist and coexist with Bd. The results contribute to the understanding of how emerging pathogens shape climatic niches and geographic distribution of species. SALINITY AND DISEASE RISK IN BANGLADESH