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DAO 64:247-252 (2005)
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Abstract
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Chytrid fungus parasitizing the wild amphibian Leptodactylus ocellatus (Anura: Leptodactylidae)in Argentina
Raúl A. Herrera1, Mónica M. Steciow1,*, Guillermo S. Natale2
1Instituto de Botánica Spegazzini, 53 N° 477, (1900), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
2CIMA, Centro de Investigación del Medio Ambiente, Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas,
UNLP.Beca Doctoral Interna CONICET, 47 y 115 (1900) La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
*Corresponding author. Email: msteciow@museo.fcnym.unlp.edu.ar
ABSTRACT: The present contribution is the first report of parasitosis by a chytrid fungus in wild anuran amphibians in Argentina, as well as the first case of amphibian mortality documented to date in Argentina. We report the presence of the chytrid
fungus in dead adult Leptodactylus ocellatus. It has been suggested that chytridiomycosis is the main cause of death in several amphibian populations worldwide. Our study demonstrates that chytridiomycosis afflicts L. ocellatus, a common
widespread amphibian species, and is the first report of chytridiomycosis in the Argentinian lowlands. The occurrence at this latitude would indicate an extended distribution of this fungus in wildlife populations. It is also the first report of amphibian
mortality due to chytrid fungus in our country. It is noteworthy that the site of collection is situated very close to sea level in a temperate climate zone and that this represents the southernmost record for South American wild amphibians.
KEY WORDS: Chytridiomycosis · Leptodactylus ocellatus · First report · Argentina
Full text in pdf format
Published in DAO Vol.
64, No. 3
(2005) on May 20
Print ISSN: 0177-5103; Online ISSN: 1616-1580.
Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 2005
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