Amphibian Skin Microbiome Relationship to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Body Condition in Relation to Volcano Location
Faculty Mentor
Jenifer Walke, Charlotte Milling
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
4-14-2026 9:00 AM
End Date
4-14-2026 11:00 AM
Location
PUB NCR
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Biology
Abstract
Amphibian populations worldwide are increasingly threatened by chytridiomycosis caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), making it critical to understand host-associated microbiomes that may influence disease susceptibility. We investigated spatial variation in skin microbiome composition, Bd prevalence, and body condition of Whistling Frogs (Eleutherodactylus johnstonei) and Cane Toads (Rhinella marina) across multiple sites in Montserrat, a volcanic Caribbean island where amphibian disease and ecological data remain limited. We selected these species as they represent suitable models for providing insight into environmental drivers of Bd dynamics relevant to the critically endangered Mountain Chicken (Leptodactylus fallax). Because volcanic ash might disrupt skin microbiota and immune function, we hypothesized increasing Bd prevalence, increasing parasite load, and altered microbial communities with proximity to the volcano. Nocturnal and diurnal field sampling was conducted using standardized sterile swabbing protocols. Individuals were photographed; measured for snout–vent length; swabbed across dorsal, ventral, thigh, and foot surfaces; and Cane toads were weighed. Downstream analyses included Bd detection and quantification via qPCR and characterization of microbial communities through high-throughput sequencing. Bd prevalence was calculated by site, and parasite loads were compared across locations using chi-square and t-tests. By integrating host health metrics with microbial and environmental data, this study provides new baseline information of amphibian health for Montserrat. Further, it advances understanding of how volcanic disturbance may mediate amphibian disease risk, with implications for conservation of vulnerable Caribbean amphibians.
Recommended Citation
Anderson, Justus; Taylor, Lily; and Milatz, Phoebe, "Amphibian Skin Microbiome Relationship to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Body Condition in Relation to Volcano Location" (2026). 2026 Symposium. 21.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2026/ps_2026/p1_2026/21
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Amphibian Skin Microbiome Relationship to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Body Condition in Relation to Volcano Location
PUB NCR
Amphibian populations worldwide are increasingly threatened by chytridiomycosis caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), making it critical to understand host-associated microbiomes that may influence disease susceptibility. We investigated spatial variation in skin microbiome composition, Bd prevalence, and body condition of Whistling Frogs (Eleutherodactylus johnstonei) and Cane Toads (Rhinella marina) across multiple sites in Montserrat, a volcanic Caribbean island where amphibian disease and ecological data remain limited. We selected these species as they represent suitable models for providing insight into environmental drivers of Bd dynamics relevant to the critically endangered Mountain Chicken (Leptodactylus fallax). Because volcanic ash might disrupt skin microbiota and immune function, we hypothesized increasing Bd prevalence, increasing parasite load, and altered microbial communities with proximity to the volcano. Nocturnal and diurnal field sampling was conducted using standardized sterile swabbing protocols. Individuals were photographed; measured for snout–vent length; swabbed across dorsal, ventral, thigh, and foot surfaces; and Cane toads were weighed. Downstream analyses included Bd detection and quantification via qPCR and characterization of microbial communities through high-throughput sequencing. Bd prevalence was calculated by site, and parasite loads were compared across locations using chi-square and t-tests. By integrating host health metrics with microbial and environmental data, this study provides new baseline information of amphibian health for Montserrat. Further, it advances understanding of how volcanic disturbance may mediate amphibian disease risk, with implications for conservation of vulnerable Caribbean amphibians.
