On abnormalities recorded in an urban population of Rhinella arenarum from central Argentina.

BIONDA, C.; SALAS, NANCY E.; CARAFFA, E.; BARAQUET, MARIANA; MARTINO, ADOLFO L.

Herpetology Note

Societas Eureopaes Herpetologica

Lugar: Leiden, Holanda; Año: 2012 vol. 5 p. 237 - 241

2071-5773

Presence, types and frequencies of abnormalities in a population of Rhinella arenarum in Villa Dalcar urban lake, Río Cuarto in Cordoba Province, Argentina was analyzed. We identified nine abnormal individuals (13.64% of total individuals), comprising four abnormality types: ectrodactyly (missing toe), ectromelia (missing limb segments), amelia (missing limb) and polyphalangy (toes partial duplication). The number of abnormal individuals by stage was two juvenile individuals and seven adult individuals. There was a significant difference in body condition between normal and abnormal juveniles, but the differences were not significant among adults. Successive events of contamination occurred in the Villa Dalcar Lake; this has to increase our expectations of relationship between these disturbances and the high rate of abnormalities in toads. Our results provide insight into serious questions about the management of this urban aquatic system as reproduction areas for anuran populations.