Effect of Temperature on Mass Mortality of the Larval Toad (Bufo bufo gargarizans) in Mangwel Pond

We have confirmed the first case of mass mortality which occurred in the wild populations of larval toad, Bufo bufo gargarizans during 2007~2009 at Mangwel pond, which is a long time breeding site, and is located at the south eastern area in Daegu. We have investigated through microbiological tests the cause of mass decease of the larval toad, and detected numerous bacteria from the intestine by histological examines and cultures. The pathogen isolated from the infected larval toads has been identified as Aeromonas hydrophila, which is widely distributed in aquatic environment. However, this phenomenon of mass lethal pattern of the larval toad disappeared at the breeding pond after maintaining better water levels and low temperature in spring during breeding season in 2010. We propose that the high temperatures during the 2007~2009 breeding season resulted in lower water levels and drier conditions leading to explosive propagation of A. hydrophila in the pond which impacted the larval toad’s immune function.