Heavy metal pollution alters reproductive performance and mate choice in an anuran, Strauchbufo raddei

Understanding the effects of pollution on reproductive performance and sexual selection is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity in an increasingly polluted world. The present study focused on the effect of environmental heavy metal pollution on sexually selected traits, including morphological characteristics and acoustic parameters, as well as mate choice in Strauchbufo raddei, an anuran species widely distributed in Northern China. The results showed that male courtship signals, including forelimb length, forelimb force, and advertisement calls, have evolved under the pressure of heavy metal pollution in young S. raddei. In addition, the breeding age was lower in the polluted areas, and younger individuals had more mating opportunities. However, males with heightened reproductive performance did not show the expected higher individual quality. The current study suggests that exposure to heavy metal pollution can induce stress in males, altering reproductive performance and further disrupting mate choice.