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Not that this makes it a non-problem, but I recall that endothermic species are relatively fungus-resistant given that most fungi prefer cooler temperatures. I

Not that this makes it a non-problem, but I recall that endothermic species are relatively fungus-resistant given that most fungi prefer cooler temperatures. I'm wondering if any epidemiologists could weigh in wrt the risk of spread to humans or other animals.

abalone 8y ago
This study explores exactly this question. In short, climate change moderated the temp of one climate which would normally kill off the fungus, while amphibians seek cool shelter during the hottest days thus keeping the fungus alive and also speeding transmission. Key passages: ”In this region, global warming is moderating the naturally severe cool conditions, and among other consequences, as Harvell et al. (2002) pointed out, shorter, milder winters are expected to increase the incidence of disease.“ ”...However, this recent warming has not increased the number of days where the maximum temperatures exceed 28°C, the critical threshold for successful persistence of B. dendrobatidis. In addition, even if this limit could be achieved in the area, survival and persistence of the pathogen may occur as a consequence of the active avoidance of high temperatures by the metamorphs preferential selection of damp and cool habitats within which to hide.” ”...On the other hand, the sixth climatic factor, relating to the abundance of mist and dewfall, presents the highest values during May, when the breeding period of the amphibians takes place. Therefore, as may occur with the temperature scenario discussed earlier, a value of 100% relative humidity provided by overnight dewfall and mists during the breeding period could be a key determinant in facilitating the transmission of fungus...”[1] This is why climate change is so dangerous. We don’t understand how interconnected and complex ecosystems are to truly predict its effects. Credit to devoply for posting the paper. [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1685858/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1685858/

abalone 8y ago

This study explores exactly this question. In short, climate change moderated the temp of one climate which would normally kill off the fungus, while amphibians seek cool shelter during the hottest days thus keeping the fungus alive and also speeding transmission. Key passages: ”In this region, global warming is moderating the naturally severe cool conditions, and among other consequences, as Harvell et al. (2002) pointed out, shorter, milder winters are expected to increase the incidence of disease.“ ”...However, this recent warming has not increased the number of days where the maximum temperatures exceed 28°C, the critical threshold for successful persistence of B. dendrobatidis. In addition, even if this limit could be achieved in the area, survival and persistence of the pathogen may occur as a consequence of the active avoidance of high temperatures by the metamorphs preferential selection of damp and cool habitats within which to hide.” ”...On the other hand, the sixth climatic factor, relating to the abundance of mist and dewfall, presents the highest values during May, when the breeding period of the amphibians takes place. Therefore, as may occur with the temperature scenario discussed earlier, a value of 100% relative humidity provided by overnight dewfall and mists during the breeding period could be a key determinant in facilitating the transmission of fungus...”[1] This is why climate change is so dangerous. We don’t understand how interconnected and complex ecosystems are to truly predict its effects. Credit to devoply for posting the paper. [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1685858/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1685858/