Characterization of a Core Fungal Community and Captivity‐Induced Gut “Mycobiome” Change in Fowler's Toad ( <scp> <i>Anaxyrus fowleri</i> </scp> )
(Fowler's Toad), documenting shifts as toads transitioned from wild to captive settings. We identified a core set of fungal taxa and observed distinct changes in non-core fungi associated with dietary differences associated with captivity. The non-core mycobiome exhibited an ecological guild functional shift of the saprotrophic dominance relative to wild individuals, indicating large losses in both mycobiome diversity and functionality. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of the amphibian mycobiome and the dramatic impact captivity can have on microbial composition, providing a framework for understanding the role of the amphibian mycobiome in future conservation efforts.
Authors
- Javier F. Tabima (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3603-2691)
- Sinlan Poo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7767-8173)
- Anne Devan‐Song (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9509-2678)
- Alexander J. Bradshaw (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6261-621X)
- Madison R. Hincher
- Tracey E. Malter (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3228-7925)
- Rylie M. Strasbaugh
- Brianna Bodner
Institutions
- Arkansas State University (US)
- Clark University (US)
- Oregon State Hospital (US)
- Memphis Zoo (US)
- Forest Preserves of Cook County (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Ecology and Evolution
- Published
- 2026-04-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73430
- Primary Topic
- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Memphis Zoo