De toekomst van de vuursalamander in Limburg

The future of the fire salamander in Limburg From 2008 onwards, fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) populations in the Netherlands have experienced a dramatic 99% decline. This decline was caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), which likely originated from East-Asia. At this moment, the fire salamander still persists in low numbers. However, Bsal is also still present and is still causing mortality among the few remaining fire salamanders. Other reservoirs, including Alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris), and long-term survival of the encysted spores may facilitate the persistence of Bsal in the ecosystem. Although infected salamanders can be eff ectively treated for Bsal in captivity, no realistic eff ective measures exist to eradicate Bsal in nature. Furthermore, fire salamanders show no resistance against Bsal. In the most positive scenario, long-term survival of the fire salamander in the presence of Bsal is possible, albeit in low numbers, but only if the habitat and reproduction are optimal. In parallel, an ex-situ insurance colony has been established for potential future restocking or reintroduction. This article discusses the present and future situation of the fire salamander in the Netherlands