Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU

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The US Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), is offering a funding opportunity to study the effects of amphibian chytrid fungus (hereafter, Bd) on site-occupancy and survival and population dynamics of amphibians. Bd is an emerging pathogen that has been linked with amphibian population declines (including some species¿ extinctions) worldwide, including in the western USA. This research will focus specifically on whether Bd continues to limit the site- level distribution or survival and abundance of amphibians. Field work will occur in the Southwest, Northern Rockies, and northern Great Plains and will occur primarily on BLM, NPS, USFWS, and USFS lands. Research in the Southwest will focus primarily on the effects of Bd on patch occupancy of Chiricahua Leopard Frogs, Lowland Leopard Frogs, Northern Leopard Frogs, Arizona Toads, and other imperiled amphibians in the region. Research in the Northern Rockies will focus on the effects of Bd on survival of Western Toads and Columbia Spotted Frogs. Research in the northern Great Plains will focus on the effects of Bd on site occupancy of the Great Plains Toad, Woodhouse¿s Toad, Northern Leopard Frog, and Boreal Chorus Frog.

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