Widespread vulnerability of Malagasy predators to the toxins of an introduced toad.

Marshall, Benjamin Michael, Casewell, Nicholas ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8035-4719, Vences, Miguel, Glaw, Frank, Andreone, Franco, Rakotoarison, Andolalao, Zancolli, Giulia, Woog, Friederike and Wüster, Wolfgang (2018) 'Widespread vulnerability of Malagasy predators to the toxins of an introduced toad.'. Current Biology, Vol 28, Issue 11, R654-R655.

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Abstract

Invasive species are a key factor contributing to the global decline of biodiversity, and understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial to mitigate detrimental effects [1]. One such mechanism is the introduction of invasive species with defensive strategies, such as novel toxins, that can disrupt native predator communities [2]. Disruption of such communities can produce trophic cascades, impacting a diverse array of taxa [2]. Madagascar, a globally significant biodiversity hotspot, has recently experienced the introduction of a toxic bufonid amphibian, the Asian common toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) [3]. Since its invasion, the toad population has expanded rapidly, making control efforts problematic and eradication extremely difficult [4]. Previous cases of bufonid introductions, such as the ongoing spread of the cane toad (Rhinella marina) in Australia, have resulted in the decimation of many indigenous species [2], prompting fears that Madagascar may be similarly impacted [4]. Here we show that these fears are warranted: we demonstrate that many Malagasy vertebrates are likely to be susceptible to the toxins of this invasive toad.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Correspondence
Subjects:	QW Microbiology and Immunology > Antigens and Antibodies. Toxins and Antitoxins > QW 630 Toxins. Antitoxins WD Disorders of Systemic, Metabolic or Environmental Origin, etc > Animal Poisons > WD 400 General works
Faculty: Department:	Biological Sciences > Department of Tropical Disease Biology
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2018.04.024
Depositing User:	Stacy Murtagh
Date Deposited:	13 Jun 2018 11:21
Last Modified:	04 Jun 2019 01:02
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/8771

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