This grant from the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit at Rocky Mountain CESU aims to fund research on the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and its impact on amphibian populations. The funding will support a comparative field study in Colorado and Wyoming to investigate environmental and evolutionary factors influencing Bd infection intensity in boreal toads. The study will also include a cross-infection trial to examine regional differences in Bd pathogenicity and host resistance. NoRock, focused on natural resources management in the Rocky Mountain region, provides funding for unbiased scientific research, crucial for decision-making in conservation efforts.
Opportunity ID: 42003
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | 08HQPA0036 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Science and Technology and other Research and Development |
| Category Explanation: | – |
| Expected Number of Awards: | 1 |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.808 — U.S. Geological Survey_ Research and Data Collection |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | No |
| Version: | Synopsis 1 |
| Posted Date: | Jun 12, 2008 |
| Last Updated Date: | – |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | Jun 23, 2008 |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Jun 23, 2008 |
| Archive Date: | Jul 23, 2008 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $29,282 |
| Award Ceiling: | $29,282 |
| Award Floor: | $29,282 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | Other eligibility criteria: This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program. CESU’s are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education. Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Geological Survey |
| Description: | The purpose of the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NoRock) funding opportunity is to research the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) as it relates to amphibian population declines and extinctions. The effect of Bd on amphibians varies both across species and among populations with species, including among boreal toads native to Grand Teton (Wyoming) and Rocky Mountain (Colorado) National Parks. The pathogen is widespread in toad breading populations in both regions yet recent, severe declines have been documented only in Colorado toads. Regional differences in environmental factors, especially how often toads encounter moderate temperature (17-23° C) and high moisture regimes favoring chytridiomycosis, or in evolutionary factors, either Bd strain pathogenicity or host susceptibility, may explain differential declines in Colorado and Wyoming. The Center proposes a comparative field study in both Colorado and Wyoming involving toad models and toad telemetry in order to characterize the physical environment experienced by boreal toads, and their associated Bd infection intensity, in space and time. Concurrently in both regions, samples and characterizations associated with skin microflora will be gathered. Finally, although laboratory trials have shown that each regions strain of Bd is pathogenic locally, the Center has not ruled out subtler regional differences in pathogenicity or host resistance which may interact with environmental factors to increase the likelihood of disease in Colorado. A cross-infection study with Bd and toads from both regions in a range of microenvironments will be conducted. This project will take significant steps towards identifying, and ruling out, evolutionary and ecological factors that favor the expression of chytridiomycosis in Colorado. By quantifying toad habitat use and infection status in regions with and without decline, our study may be vital for park managers targeting amphibians affected by this disease.
NoRock conducts research in support of natural resources management in the mountains and plains of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Idaho. The Center produces and disseminates scientific information needed for decision-making in collaboration with Federal and State land management agencies, Native American tribes, academic institutions and organizations. Since 2001, NoRock has funded projects that advance the Center in producing strong and unbiased scientific information necessary for decision making. The Center will continue to support such projects. A. Fiscal Year 2008 Funding A total of $29,282 is available for the FY 2008/2009 program. The project will be funded for one base year and up to four out-years from the point of award, depending on research results and the availability of funding. Award notification will be made on or about July 1, 2008. Project work must commence by July 1, 2008. Start dates after August 1, 2008, are not authorized under this announcement. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
FAITH GRAVES
CONTRACT SPECIALIST Phone 703-648-7356 Email:fgraves@usgs.gov |
Version History
| Version | Modification Description | Updated Date |
|---|---|---|
Related Documents
Folder 42003 Full Announcement-1 -> FULL ANNOUCEMENT.pdf
Packages
| Agency Contact Information: | FAITH GRAVES CONTRACT SPECIALIST Phone 703-648-7356 Email: fgraves@usgs.gov |
| Who Can Apply: | Organization Applicants |
| Assistance Listing Number | Competition ID | Competition Title | Opportunity Package ID | Opening Date | Closing Date | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15.808 | 08HQPA0036 | Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU | PKG00007569 | Jun 12, 2008 | Jun 23, 2008 | View |
Package 1
Mandatory forms
42003 SF424-2.0.pdf
42003 Project-1.1.pdf
42003 SF424B-1.1.pdf
42003 SF424A-1.0.pdf
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