Causes of spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus) decline with focus on infectious pathogens

Francescapia BALIVO

Bakalářská práce

Abstract:

This thesis focuses on the spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus), an intriguing yet relatively poorly understood species that is becoming increasingly rare despite being widely distributed across Europe. The study aims to a better understanding of factors contributing to its declining population trends within the context of the global amphibian population's ongoing decline, specifically examining the role of pathogenic agents. Using qPCR followed by sequencing confirmation, the study investigates the prevalence of three globally spread pathogens: Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, ranavirus, and herpesvirus. The obtained data were compared to previously published results from the Czech Republic, Germany, and Hungary. No positivity for the target pathogens was detected in P. fuscus, suggesting that the population decline is more closely linked to habitat factors rather than infectious pathogens.

Abstract:

This thesis focuses on the spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus), an intriguing yet relatively poorly understood species that is becoming increasingly rare despite being widely distributed across Europe. The study aims to a better understanding of factors contributing to its declining population trends within the context of the global amphibian population's ongoing decline, specifically examining the role of pathogenic agents. Using qPCR followed by sequencing confirmation, the study investigates the prevalence of three globally spread pathogens: Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, ranavirus, and herpesvirus. The obtained data were compared to previously published results from the Czech Republic, Germany, and Hungary. No positivity for the target pathogens was detected in P. fuscus, suggesting that the population decline is more closely linked to habitat factors rather than infectious pathogens.

Keywords

Europe, chytridiomycosis, ranavirus, herpesvirus, conservation, qPCR, emerging infectious diseases, amphibian decline, prevalence

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 31. 3. 2025

Zveřejnit od: 31. 12. 2999

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedoucí: Mgr. Vojtech Baláž, Ph.D.

Veterinární univerzita Brno

Fakulta veterinární hygieny a ekologie

Bakalářský studijní program / obor:
Animal Protection and Welfare / Animal Protection and Welfare