Mantidactylus sp. aff. ulcerosus. © Tsanta Fiderana Rakotonanahary

Madagascar hosts an unparalleled number of endemic and threatened amphibians. Disease outbreaks currently represent one of the major threats to frog populations, and surveillance and monitoring programs have become relevant. Chytridiomycosis is a worldwide emerging infectious disease due to a lethal fungus and one of the causes of amphibian decline and biodiversity loss. A recent expedition carried out in the Makay Massif provided some positive records, but they still remain unconfirmed.

With this project we aim to verify the occurrence of Bd at Makay Massif, and to provide an updated Bd-status for Madagascar screening 8 additional strategic sites, to monitor possible Bd trends through quantitative prevalence data.