Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans: a threat to the genus Salamandra

The recent spread of the amphibian pathogenic fungi Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) is responsible for widespread population declines in many parts of the world. In Europe, Bsal was recently introduced in the Netherlands from Asia through international trade. Since 2013, Bsal has also spread in Germany, Belgium, and Catalonia, NE Spain, causing local declines in several species of salamanders and newts. Among the species sensitive to Bsal, the salamanders belonging to the genus Salamandra are highly susceptible. This research analyzed the peer-reviewed studies dealing with these species and Bsal in field populations, laboratory experiments, and captive collections by using modeling approaches. Overall, we retrieved 53 papers from different online databases. The following species were analyzed in at least one study: Salamandra atra, S. algira, S. corsica, S. infraimmaculata, S. lanzai, and S. salamandra. Overall, studies on wild populations were the most widespread, while those conducted in the lab or on captive individuals were less frequent. Studies using ecological modelling are becoming more frequent over time, suggesting an increasing interest in the possible future impacts of Bsal in geographical regions where the fungus is currently absent.