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Do predators cause frog deformities? The need for an eco-epidemiological approach
Pieter T J Johnson1, Jay Bowerman
1Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado. pieter.johnson@colorado.edu.
Summary
Amphibian deformities are complex. A multiple lines of evidence approach, integrating field surveys and experiments, confirms aquatic predators cause high frequencies of deformed frogs.
Area of Science:
- Herpetology
- Ecology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Amphibian deformities, especially missing limbs, are a subject of ongoing scientific debate.
- Previous research implicating aquatic predators has faced criticism regarding experimental scale and field correlations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address limitations in studying amphibian malformations.
- To advocate for a "multiple lines of evidence" approach to understand complex etiologies.
- To present evidence identifying specific predators causing deformities in natural populations.
Main Methods:
- Integrating field surveys, diagnostic pathology, comparative modeling, and experiments.
- Analyzing long-term data, comparative data, and mechanistic experiments.
- Examining ecological, epidemiological, and developmental factors.
Main Results:
- A recent study in Oregon identified aquatic predators (fishes and dragonflies) as causes of high frequencies of deformed frogs.
- This research combined multiple data types to establish ecological relevance.
- Compelling evidence shows predators cause deformities under natural conditions.
Conclusions:
- Amphibian malformations likely result from multiple interacting causes.
- A "multiple lines of evidence" approach is crucial for accurate diagnosis and understanding.
- Integrating diverse scientific tools is essential for addressing environmental enigmas in amphibian populations.
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