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National Projects
Amphibian and Reptile Groups (ARGs) are key players
in national projects - providing local expertise and experienced
volunteers. Currently, ARGs are involved with:
UK Chytridiomycosis Survey - Frog
Swab
In 2008 Natural
England, the Institute of Zoology (IoZ), The HCT, the Countryside
Council for Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage are jointly
working on a chytrid screening project. In brief:
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Chytrid is
a fungus known to have infected and caused declines in some
amphibian species in different parts of the world.
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Chytrid
has been found in both native and non-native amphibians at a
small number of sites the UK.
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We do not
know whether chytrid is widespread in the UK.
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We do not
whether, or how, it will affect our amphibians.
The UK Chytridiomycosis Survey aims to find out how widespread is
the fungus.
Find out more about chytrid and
chytridiomycosis
from:
The project in Scotland in Wales has targeted specific amphibian
populations. In England the Institute of Zoology aims to
analyse samples from approximately 60 sites spread across the
country. The HCT, leading on the NARRS project,
will incorporate chytrid sampling within its amphibian survey work.
So, the amphibian element of NARRS in 2008 will comprise:
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Continuation of survey of randomly selected sites provided by
HCT
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Chytrid
sampling (option in England only)
Taking chytrid samples is quite straightforward (guidelines
are available).
However, at each site swab samples are needed from 30 amphibians
(native species only). Two sampling visits would be ideal (one in early
spring, one later in the amphibian season i.e. late May-June). They can be of any native species (not just frogs)
found at the site. Chytrid sampling needs:
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A site
where sufficient numbers of amphibians are likely to be captured
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A small
team of at least two motivated volunteers
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A Natural
England licence in the event that great crested newts are
sampled
Volunteer participation is not exclusive to ARGs, but the
requirements mean that ARGs are ideally placed to assist with the
big frog swab. If every ARG in England could sample one or two
populations, then IoZ would meet its sampling quota with a good
geographic spread of sites.
Swab sampling does not harm the amphibians.
There is no reason to believe that chytrid fungus poses any risk to
humans.
Frog swabbing could provide a focal activity for ARGs and hopefully
participants will enjoy contributing to an important national
project with an international context. For people who wanted to
take part in NARRS in 2007, but did not want to tackle the randomly
selected sites, then chytrid sampling could be an ideal opportunity
to get involved, as it allows volunteers to sample their ‘own’ site
(assuming that there are sufficient amphibians present).
IoZ will provide sampling kits and support. Training and support
will also be provided by The HCT in conjunction with NARRS.
If you can
take part in the frog swab, please contact:
Dr Eddie
Brede, UK Chytridiomycosis Survey,
Wellcome
Building, Institute of Zoology, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY,
Edward.brede@ioz.ac.uk,
020 7449 6438 |