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Anuran Development, Density and Diversity in Relation to Agricultural Activity in the Holland River Watershed, Ontario, Canada (1990–1992)

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Abstract

Significantly lower anuran species diversity and density was recorded in a vegetable growing area relative to upstream and downstream sites in the Holland River watershed, Ontario, Canada. Egg hatching success and tadpole deformity rates of American toads (Bufo americanus americanus), green frogs (Rana clamitans melanota) and northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) eggs in water from field sites and control water were assessed. Compared to the control and the upstream site, the total abnormality rate (unhatched eggs plus deformed tadpoles) was higher for American toads in water from the agricultural and downstream sites. Total abnormality was higher in green frog eggs in water from the agricultural site and a downstream site. Trace concentrations of organophosphorus pesticides were detected most often in agricultural zone water and sediments than in upstream and downstream sites. Organochlorine pesticide residues, especially in agricultural zone samples, exceeded the no effect level guidelines for the protection of aquatic life. Ammonia, phosphorus, particulates, BOD and TKN were highest in the agricultural zone. Significant correlations between these parameters and anuran development suggest nutrient run-off as a causal or contributing factor in lower anuran diversity, density and reproductive success of American toads and green frogs in the site dominated by agriculture.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Box 5050, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7R 4A6

    C. A. Bishop & N. A. Mahony

  2. Ecosystem Health Division, Environment Canada, Canade Centre for Inland Waters, Box 5050, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7R 4A6

    J. Struger

  3. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, North York, Ontario, Canada, M3J 1P3

    P. Ng

  4. Department of Animal Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z4

    K. E. Pettit

Authors
  1. C. A. Bishop
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  2. N. A. Mahony
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  3. J. Struger
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  4. P. Ng
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  5. K. E. Pettit
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Correspondence to C. A. Bishop.

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Bishop, C.A., Mahony, N.A., Struger, J. et al. Anuran Development, Density and Diversity in Relation to Agricultural Activity in the Holland River Watershed, Ontario, Canada (1990–1992). Environ Monit Assess 57, 21–43 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005988611661

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