Abstract:

Growing concern about the decline of amphibian populations has highlighted the need to assess the potential impact of agricultural chemicals on these animals. Although the relative sensitivity of amphibians to the toxic effects of pesticides and other environmental contaminants has yet to be established, the perceived vulnerability of amphibians to pesticide effects may actually be attributable to their specific habitat requirements. Shallow temporary ponds, essential to the life cycles of many amphibians, are also areas where pollutants may accumulate without substantial dilution. Research in Western Australia has highlighted the potential risk that agricultural chemicals may pose to fauna that inhabit low dilution environments, and indicates that the data currently required for pre-registration assessment of pesticides may be inadequate to effectively protect these environments.

Keywords: AMPHIBIAN; FROG; GLYPHOSATE; HERBICIDE; PESTICIDE; SURFACTANT; TOXICOLOGY

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1163/157075403766451199