Amphibians are in decline around the world due to the pathogenic fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). In previous experiments, we found that several species of amphibian may utilize behavioral resistance in response to Bd and that resistance behaviors varied among species. Here, we we examined whether Bd-naïve and Bd-experienced frogs (terrestrial greenhouse frogs and arboreal pinewood treefrogs) could identify the presence of Bd, as well as their preference toward drier or wetter conditions when infected (dry conditions may reduce Bd infection, while wet conditions may increase Bd infection).
Results/Conclusions
We found that Bd-naïve pinewood treefrogs avoided Bd, but the Bd-naïve and Bd-experienced greenhouse frogs did not avoid Bd. Also, neither species demonstrated a moisture preference when exposed to Bd. This work highlights that it is difficult to predict how species will interact and respond to Bd exposure.