Data for: Epidemiological landscape of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and its impact on amphibian diversity at global scale

Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium
dendrobatidis (Bd), is a major driver of amphibian decline worldwide. The
global presence of Bd is driven by a synergy of factors, such as climate,
species life history, and amphibian host suscep­tibility. Here, using a
Bayesian data-mining approach, we modeled the epidemiologi­cal landscape
of Bd to evaluate how infection varies across several spatial, ecological,
and phylogenetic scales. We compiled global information on Bd occurrence,
climate, species ranges, and phylogenetic diversity to infer the potential
distribution and preva­lence of Bd. By calculating the degree of
co-distribution between Bd and our set of environmental and biological
variables (e.g. climate and species), we identified the factors that could
potentially be related to Bd presence and prevalence using a geo­graphic
correlation metric, epsilon (ε). We fitted five ecological models based on
1) amphibian species identity, 2) phylogenetic species variability values
for a given species assemblage, 3) temperature, 4) precipitation and 5)
all variables together. Our results extend the findings of previous
studies by identifying the epidemiological landscape features of Bd. This
ecological modeling framework allowed us to generate explicit spatial
predictions for Bd prevalence at the global scale and a ranked list of
species with high/low probability of Bd presence. Our geographic
model identified areas with high potential for Bd prevalence (potential
Bd-risk areas) and areas with low potential Bd prevalence as potential
refuges (free Bd). At the amphibian assemblage level, we found a
non-relationship with amphibian phylogenetic signals, but a significantly
negative correlation between observed species richness and Bd prevalence
indicated a potential dilution effect at the landscape scale. Our model
may identify species and areas potentially susceptible and at risk for Bd
presence, which could be used to prioritize regions for amphibian
conservation efforts and to assess species and assemblage at risk.