Alarm level red for the fire salamander: Salamanderpast threatens biodiversity!

Alarm level red for the fire salamander: Salamanderpast threatens biodiversity!

Mainz, Deutschland - The alarming reports on the rapid spread of the Salamanderpest in Rhineland-Palatinate throw a shadow on the biodiversity of our region. The stone of the kick -off is the insidious skin mushroom Bsal, which has not only added fire salamies since its discovery in 2017, but also all local newt types and the obstetrician toad. In order to ensure the survival of these species, the University of Trier is starting an innovative research project in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment.

Under the direction of Environment Minister Katrin Eder, the project is funded with an impressive 184,047 euros. The researchers, led by Prof. Dr. Stefan Lötters, Prof. Dr. Michael Veith and Dr. Philipp Böning, focus on building maintenance breeding in a special zoo network. In addition, monitoring is carried out to find out how quickly the deadly fungus spreads and where its most brutal attacks take place. The shattering results show that the Salamander plague can decimate entire populations within a few months.

The terrible power of the Bsal

The pathogen batrachochytrium salamandrorans forces amphibians to a cruel fate: he eats its paths through the sensitive skin and opens the door to the animals to further infections. The mortality rate for fire salamies is almost 100 percent - a shocking sign of the condition of our biodiversity! Professor Lötters describes the situation as alarming: "It is terrifying to look at how the SalamanderPest ... an intact fire salamander population almost completely decimated within a few months."

While the dangerous fungus continues to grab itself, research shows hope: the Salamander have a better chance of surviving if their natural habitats are protected and kept stable. Measures to slow down the epidemic, such as the identification of BSAL hotspots and strict hygiene protocols such as disinfecting footwear, are on the agenda. The time is now! Only through determined action can we preserve the fire salamander and the ridge newt from the impending extinction.