On August 9, 2011 this young green frog (Rana Clamitans) showed up at my backdoor. This frog appears to have a malformed eye and I doubt she could see out of it. There may be some mouth/jaw malformations as well.
Suspected causes of malformations in frogs include chemicals such as those found in pesticides and the use of CFCs, which have depleted the ozone layer. Depletion of the ozone layer allows more ultraviolet (UV) radiation to enter the Earths atmosphere. UV radiation can enter cells and alter DNA, which may then result in mutations.
Have there been any local studies on deformities in frogs?
ReplyDeleteHi Bob, yes there have been some frog malformity studies made in New Hampshire.
ReplyDelete