The Incidence of Mutilations and Malformations in a Population of Pelobates fuscus

Paul Székely, Szilárd Nemes

Abstract


We studied the incidence of different mutilations and malformations in a population of Pelobates fuscus from Romania. Four types of mutilations and malformations were recorded. Three toads presented polyphalangy, 8 toads were missing 10 toes, and three were missing the lower proportion of their arms, ectromelia. Two males presented anophthalmia (missing eye), one was missing the left the other the right eye. Comparative multivariate analysis on morphometric traits did not show any difference between injured and uninjured toads. The recorded malformations and mutilations are the result of accidents and unsuccessful predation encounters. No evidence of malformations caused by pollution was found

Keywords


Pelobates fuscus; anophthalamia; ectrodactily; ectromelia; polyphalangy

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2003-10-2-145-148

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