Geographic risk assessment of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans invasion in Costa Rica as a means of informing emergence management and mitigation

A significant geographic risk assessment reveals that approximately 23% of Costa Rica's landmass, including the Central and Talamanca mountain ranges, is highly suitable for the invasive fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), threatening 37 salamander species. This study employed ecological niche modeling combined with biodiversity and tourist visitation data to identify eight protected areas at greatest risk due to their high biodiversity, frequent human activity, and favorable habitat conditions for Bsal. The findings underscore the importance of proactive monitoring using remotely-sensed data and ecological niche modeling to target surveillance efforts and mitigate potential outbreaks effectively.

Adams, H. C., Markham, K. E., Madden, M., Gray, M. J., Bolanos Vives, F., Chaves, G., & Hernandez, S. M. (2024). Geographic risk assessment of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans invasion in Costa Rica as a means of informing emergence management and mitigation. Plos One, 19(12), e0293779. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0293779