Barelds, Richard (2024) The Amplifying Effect of Environmental Stress on Ranavirus Outbreaks in Amphibians. Master's Thesis / Essay, Ecology and Evolution.
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Abstract
Amphibians are facing unprecedented global declines, with over 40% of species threatened with extinction due to a combination of habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and emerging infectious diseases. This essay explores the vulnerability of amphibians to environmental stressors and how these factors amplify their susceptibility to pathogens like ranavirus. Amphibians' permeable skin, reliance on aquatic and terrestrial habitats, and ectothermic nature make them highly sensitive to pollutants and temperature extremes, compromising their immune function. Additionally, habitat degradation increases their exposure to diseases by fragmenting populations and creating environments that foster pathogen spread. The essay emphasizes amphibians' critical ecological roles, including their contribution to nutrient cycling, pest control, and maintaining ecosystem health. Amphibian declines thus have cascading effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Conservation efforts must adopt integrated strategies addressing environmental degradation and disease management to mitigate these compounded threats and preserve amphibian populations globally.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master's Thesis / Essay) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Lequime, S.J.J. |
| Degree programme: | Ecology and Evolution |
| Thesis type: | Master's Thesis / Essay |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 18 Oct 2024 07:52 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Oct 2024 07:52 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/34335 |
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