Dr. Matt Gray and other researchers named in a recent study found 140 salamander species could experience population declines if a fungal disease in Europe reaches North America. Photo courtesy: Deb Miller, UTIA
The Wildlife Society interviewed Matt Gray, professor of wildlife health in the UT School of Natural Resources, on Monday, July 10, about a recent study he and others conducted on the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, or Bsal.
Bsal erodes and destroys the skin of amphibians. The fungal pathogen was discovered 10 years ago in fire salamander populations in Europe but has not yet been detected in the western hemisphere.
The study shows over 80 species of salamanders in the United States and 140 species in North America could experience population declines if Bsal is introduced.
You can read the full article here.
