SNAPS: Student Network for Amphibian Pathogen Surveillance

The emerging fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) is threatening salamanders in Europe and North America. Bsal is yet to be detected in North America but its accidental introduction is likely, making the early detection of Bsal essential for minimizing its negative impact. Unfortunately, early detection is inherently challenging, requiring broad and long-term surveillance that can be expensive, time-consuming and logistically challenging. The Student Network for Amphibian Pathogen Surveillance (SNAPS) leverages student-power to conduct ongoing and cost-effective Bsal surveillance by incorporating surveillance into undergraduate curriculum. This is a project of the Surveillance Working Group of the North American Bsal Task Force.

Sponsors and Participating Institutions

SNAPS by the numbers

2,611
Amphibians swabbed for Bsal
1,251
Students searched for Bsal
62
Institutions are doing SNAPS
3
Learning modules are available