beerlipeter

Thanks Steve, this helps, I would suggest collecting samples of native amphibians at the site of the mid-wive toads and in the surroundings at the same time (I am aware that there is no money for that yet -- I assume once you have samples you always can test later), but this would allow you to have a clear time point to compare the Bd strains in both groups (if any) and if there is no Bd in the natives at the same site but finding Bd in the toads then the study a great first time points for further monitoring (and getting money through more standard channels). Thanks again, Peter

Studies about Chytrids are important, but I have several questions about this project that make me wonder whether it is worth funding: (1) why do you focus on these toads? How do you establish that they brought the chytrid? [they could have received it from native species] (2) how does this compare to other species in the same habitat/region? (3) If they have chytrids what then? Are they automatically guilty killing native amphibians? I also would love to see some citations for example "200 species went extinct" etc.

Ingrid, I hope you get some more funding, my small share is certainly not enough to keep you going but will help ( a little) [following the Germain proverb: Kleinvieh mach auch Mist!]. cheers Peter