Climate as a gatekeeper: Unexpected absence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in an Asian Chytrid hotspot suggests a narrow climatic niche for the pathogen

we conducted an extensive survey for Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans across the Guangxi region of Southern China, now considered a B. dendrobatidis hotspot. We examined 1230 individuals from 38 amphibian species and 36 environmental water bodies sampled. However, PCR testing revealed absence of B. salamandrivorans in our samples. A subsequent niche modeling analysis for B.salamandrivorans suggested that the bioclimatic conditions of much of the region may not be conducive to B. salamandrivorans .