The common fire salamander Salamandra salamandra and invasive pathogen Bsal: a conservation strategy for a vulnerable species

Koopman, Abel (2025) The common fire salamander Salamandra salamandra and invasive pathogen Bsal: a conservation strategy for a vulnerable species. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

The common fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra), native to Europe, is currently vulnerable to extinction, caused by habitat degradation and the introduction of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). Since its introduction via the wildlife pet trade, Bsal has spread through multiple European countries, exhibiting high virulence and 100% host mortality, with a projected range expansion of 11 km per year. Although some population persistence in infected habitats has been observed, these populations exhibit long-term reductions in abundance and ecological functionality. Amphibians play an important role in their ecosystem and the extirpation of salamander populations can lead to a trophic cascade, which destabilizes their ecosystem. Possible conservation methods are evaluated using scientific, practical, and ethical considerations. This thesis proposes a conservation strategy based on endemic coexistence, by combining target-specific action with ecosystem restoration. The two-pronged strategy proposed consists of genetically engineered resilience to Bsal, accompanied by extensive habitat restoration and ecosystem improvements such as beaver reintroduction. Ex situ methods and human-mediated refugia are considered transitional measures. Empirical conservation research on the fire salamander and Bsal could in addition generate models for managing current and future infectious diseases and restoring ecosystems.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Lequime, S.J.J.
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	12 May 2025 13:30
Last Modified:	12 May 2025 13:30
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/35159

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