SEEKING Interviewees for PAID Amphibian Disease and Pet Trade Research

Hi everyone! Please delete and message me if not allowed! (Cross-posting this)

I'm seeking participants for a research study on the current practices and knowledge of amphibian pet owners, amphibian pet store owners, amphibian breeders or suppliers, amphibian hobbyists, and veterinarians (a focus on those working with salamanders, but frogs welcome as well!). The goal is to gather information for decision-makers from important stakeholder groups regarding the deadly salamander fungus, Bsal. We hope to use this information to create policies that reflect the wants and needs of stakeholders to help mitigate a Bsal introduction. This is an opportunity to voice your concerns, what you are in favor of, and what you are NOT in favor of as well.

I'm well aware that much of our current regulations and management of wildlife treats non-game species as not important, especially herps. I'm also well aware that many wildlife managers are keen to strictly listen to biological factors rather than understanding the people that their decisions will affect. I'm excited to say that this project is working on combating these two norms and working to build a two-way relationship.

If you and/or someone you know would be interested in taking part in a short interview(30min) OVER THE PHONE, fill out a brief survey at https://tinyurl.com/yx3jdpgh or contact me (haddock4@msu.edu) and Dr. Alexa Warwick(awarwick@msu.edu). A $15 gift card will be given to participants and anonymity is guaranteed. Feel free to ask me any questions over email!

This study is funding by the Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resource's Undergraduate Research Program

are you not aware of policies already implemented over 200 species listed as injurious wildlife and a ban on importation of respective species? so what policies are we talking about here. also USGS? they have proven to be quite erroneous in their projections ,assessments and policy recommendations.

Originally Posted by SandfireDragonRanch

are you not aware of policies already implemented over 200 species listed as injurious wildlife and a ban on importation of respective species? so what policies are we talking about here. also USGS? they have proven to be quite erroneous in their projections ,assessments and policy recommendations.

Yes I am aware of the current injurious list. Policies discussed in the study include smaller-scale actions as opposed to a sweeping legislative decision. Some of these deal with genetic immunity, testing at ports, market value adjustments, and the use of fungicide. During the study, I ask participants their general opinions on each of the potential policies/management actions. One of the primary goals of the group is to work on a clean trade of imported/exported amphibians to replace an outright ban. This link has a bit more info on the goals of the group. https://www.salamanderfungus.org/wp-...d-OM-edits.pdf
My work would fall under the decision support working group and the outreach and communication working group.

I can't speak for the work that the USGS has previously done in regards to amphibians but am confident in the current capability of those that are members of the Task Force. If their previous work has been incorrect or misguided, then the collaborative nature of Bsal Task Force is an effort to expand the knowledge that informs decisions so that they serve those that they actually affect. If you'd like to see some publications from a few of the leads to judge their reputability, I can link them in another comment!

The Force itself is made of researchers from universities and agencies across the country in a variety of disciplines. There is an equal emphasis on socioeconomic and disease ecology. I will say that there was a lack of effort in connecting with stakeholders until myself and my lead investigator joined the group at the end of 2019. Now, the Task Force is also in a partnership with PIJAC to use my initial findings to distribute a nationwide survey dealing with similar topics.