Are deformation rates of anuran developmental stages suitable indicators for environmental pollution? Possibilities and limitations

摘要: Abstract Among the multitude of reasons identified for amphibian decline, increased use agrochemicals is suggested to contribute population changes in industrialized countries. Contamination breeding ponds with can provoke developmental effects. Deformation rates tadpoles and metamorphs thus are expected be high under agrarian land use. >5% considered unnatural implemented a current monitoring guideline. We examined deformation different endpoints at metamorphosis Common frog ( Rana temporaria ) sites (natural wetlands vs. studied waters potential influence agrochemicals). were not lower success was higher natural wetlands, but only found here. Rather abiotic factors led rates. Our study suggests that 5%-threshold should seen critical way until further evaluation if free living amphibians suitable indicators environmental pollution.