Symbiotic Microbiomes of Amphibians and Reptiles

Symbiotic microbes (e.g., skin and gut microbes) of amphibians and reptiles are involved in environmental adaptation, nutrient acquisition, and disease resistance. Because of the central functions provided by microbiomes, there is a critical need to understand their impact on wild populations that are increasingly under threat from factors ranging from habitat destruction to climate change and emerging diseases. There are many knowledge gaps in terms of the relative functional roles of bacteriophage and viruses, bacterial and fungal communities, and their interactions. Developmental conditions, coinfections, and behaviors are under-developed research frontiers, as are phylogenetic and ecological relationships that impact the evolution of microbiomes and host immunology and morphology.

The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight research on the symbiotic microorganisms of amphibians and reptiles as it provides a valuable theoretical foundation for the protection and restoration of wild populations.

We welcome contributions on the following topics:

- Factors shaping the assemblage and function of symbiotic microbiomes of amphibians and reptiles
- The relationship between microbial community dynamics in amphibians and reptiles and adaptations to environmental changes
- The role of symbiotic microbiomes in disease defences in amphibians and reptiles
- The evolution of microbiomes and host immunology and morphology
- Effects of experimental microbial manipulations
- Features of the microbiome that may limit amphibian and reptile fitness
- Evaluating causes of microbiome dynamics beyond describing associations with biotic and abiotic factors