The impact of land use intensity and associated pesticide applications on fitness and enzymatic activity in reptiles—A field study

摘要: Environmental pollution and habitat loss are described as underlying causes for population declines in reptiles especially affect species agricultural landscapes. Studies dealing with effects of pesticide exposure on limited, mainly addressing the orders Testudines Crocodylia, but largely neglecting most diverse reptile order Squamata (lizards snakes). As a consequence, information regarding their organisms, well probability uptake Reptilia has to be considered rather uncharted. We here ask how applications widely distributed, synanthropic squamate Europe. studied common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) regard enzymatic biomarkers (Glutathione-S-Transferase, Glutathione Reductase, Acetylcholinesterase) body condition. Lizards were sampled from wild populations, along an gradient (three exposed sites differing land use intensity one reference site). Our results suggest both dermal oral formulations, former being relevant during first two days after application. Enzymatic activity slightly differed between gradients, while showing overall similar patterns. Body condition lizards decreased increasing exposure. Furthermore, gender distribution was particularly skewed favor males within sample sites. Although not target organisms applications, many do come into contact them, probably suffer uptake. Thus, we believe it is indispensable integrated risk assessments improve conservation practice.