Surveillance and control of Chytrid fungi in Minnesota amphibians

This project will support the development of a statewide chytrid fungi response plan by generating a risk model, increasing surveillance efforts, and creating open-access educational materials.

Background:

Amphibians play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem health. The global spread of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been associated with declines in amphibian populations and local extinctions, marking the greatest recorded loss of biodiversity due to a disease. However, an emerging chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), has been responsible for high levels of mortality in salamander populations in Europe, and its introduction into the United States could pose significant threats to amphibian biodiversity. In the proposed project, the researchers aim to generate a risk model of Bsal across Minnesota and, in turn, inform management opportunities. The outputs of this study will be used to guide surveillance activities and targeted science communication efforts, forming the basis for a statewide response plan.

Activities:

• Generate risk models for Chytrid fungus across Minnesota
• Develop and implement surveillance networks for pathogens in amphibian populations
• Cultivate a substantial knowledge base regarding chytrid fungi and their potential impacts on the state

Minnesota SNAPS network

Who we are:

Student Network for Amphibian Pathogen Surveillance (SNAPS) is an experiential learning network that mobilizes students and educators to detect emerging pathogens in amphibians. SNAPS provides supplies, like swabs, for sampling amphibians for pathogens. They also provide optional lesson plans which educators can incorporate into a variety of courses. Educators send their swab samples to the National Wildlife Health Center. There, our collaborators analyze the samples to test for organisms like Bsal and Bd. The Center shares those test results with educators and students. SNAPS test results are also publicized via the Amphibian Disease Portal. Learn more about SNAPS.

Join MN SNAPS!

Are you an educator associated with a college or university in Minnesota? Or a leader or volunteer for a wildlife or conservation related organization in the state? Do you want to engage students and members in hands-on research experiences? If so, consider joining the Minnesota SNAPS network! You can fill out this Google Form to share your contact information with us. 

Please note that although recruitment into the National SNAPS program may be closed, our initiative in Minnesota is actively recruiting thanks to funding from MAISRC. 

Curious about what it might look like to incorporate SNAPS into a classroom setting? Check out the poster that Dr. Jen Lamb (SCSU) presented at the 2024 Minnesota Wildlife Society conference.

Permits to work with amphibians in Minnesota

When you join MN SNAPS, you are added to our MN Dept. of Natural Resources Special Permit for Research with Reptiles and Amphibians. This permit covers our basic activities, like capturing non-threatened or endangered amphibians, swabbing them, and releasing them where they were found. If you want to survey an endangered or threatened species, you will need to obtain specific, separate permits for working with those species. 

You will need to obtain additional permits depending on where you plan to sample for amphibians (see below). Obtaining permits can take time (sometimes 3 - 6 weeks), so start the process early and inquire about the progress of your applications with the appropriate persons. 

Have questions about obtaining permits? Contact one of our educators and scientists in the state, Dr. Jen Lamb.

Are you planning to sample amphibians in Minnesota at…

• State Parks and Trails?
• Scientific and Natural Areas?
• Wildlife Management Areas or Aquatic Management Areas? You’ll need to contact the fisheries or wildlife office responsible for that WMA. 
• MN State Forest, or other MN DNR Forestry-administered lands?

If you aren’t sure who manages the area where you plan to work, you can find additional information via the MN DNR’s Scientific Research website. 

Have other questions? Please reach out to our Project Manager Dr. Amy Kinsley.