Effects of the amphibian chytrid fungus and four insecticides on Pacific treefrogs (Pseudacris regilla)

Journal of Herpetology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Chemical contamination may influence host-pathogen interactions, which has implications for amphibian population declines. We examined the effects of four insecticides alone or as a mixture on development and metamorphosis of Pacific Treefrogs (Pseudacris regilla) in the presence or absence of the amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis [Bd]). Bd exposure had a negative impact on tadpole activity, survival to metamorphosis, time to metamorphosis, and time of tail absorption (with a marginally negative effect on mass at metamorphosis); however, no individuals tested positive for Bd at metamorphosis. The presence of sublethal concentrations of insecticides alone or in a mixture did not impact Pacific Treefrog activity as tadpoles, survival to metamorphosis, or time and size to metamorphosis. Insecticide exposure did not influence the effect of Bd exposure. Our study did not support our prediction that effects of Bd would be greater in the presence of expected environmental concentrations of insecticide(s), but it did show that Bd had negative effects on responses at metamorphosis that could reduce the quality of juveniles recruited into the population.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Effects of the amphibian chytrid fungus and four insecticides on Pacific treefrogs (Pseudacris regilla)
Series title Journal of Herpetology
DOI 10.1670/11-070
Volume 46
Issue 4
Year Published 2012
Language English
Publisher The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description 7 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Herpetology
First page 625
Last page 631
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