We examined the competitive ability of larval toads （Bufo gargarizans ） and frogs （Rana kukunoris ） which co-occur in natural pools in the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve. We measured the activity level, growth rate, ma...We examined the competitive ability of larval toads （Bufo gargarizans ） and frogs （Rana kukunoris ） which co-occur in natural pools in the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve. We measured the activity level, growth rate, mass at metamorphosis and larval period in a laboratory experiment. Tadpoles of B. gargarizans were significantly more active when food was abundant than scarce, while there was no significant difference in the activity of R. kukunoris tadpoles at different food levels. At low food availability, mass at metamorphosis and growth rate of R. kukunoris were significantly increased in the presence of B. gargarizans, whereas the presence of R. kukunoris had no significant effect on the mass and growth rate of B. gargarizans. In all treatments, the larval period of B. gargarizans at low food availability was the shortest. These results suggest that B. gargarizans can adapt to different food levels by changing their activity rate. At high food level, B. gargarizans increased activity to gain more food. At low food level, B. gargarizans decreased activity and achieved early metamorphosis. However, when food resources were limited, R. kukunoris could gain more food than B.gargarizans .展开更多
Amphibians are considered as reliable indicators of environmental quality. In Europe, a general decline of amphibians population parallels a worldwide decline, and some of the factors which are thought to be responsib...Amphibians are considered as reliable indicators of environmental quality. In Europe, a general decline of amphibians population parallels a worldwide decline, and some of the factors which are thought to be responsible to this decline are habitat loss, introduction of exotic species, disease and decreasing water quality. Recent investigations suggest that these eutrophic conditions may be associated with frog reproduction problems. Water quality criteria settled for the different species of amphibians do not currently exist, but in the present paper, the authors report their observation about water phosphate concentrations in association with hipofertility in African clawed frogs （Xenopus laevis）. The study considered two different groups of African clawed frog showing hypofertility （22 patients） hosted in captivity. The animals were visited, and the filtration systems functionality and the water quality were checked, i.e., temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphates, hardness and alkalinity. In the first group, it was decided to perform ultrasound scans, parasitological tests on fecal samples, and microscopical/macroscopical examination, as well as microbiological analysis on collected oocytes. In the second group, only fecal samples were collected in order to perform parasitologiacal exams. No pathological findings were showed by veterinary tests. Water changes were carried out in both facilities and after two months, the fertility in African clawed frogs improved, evidencing the involvement of phosphates values in the onset of the problem and even more in its resolution. More studies are needed to further define this correlation.展开更多
文摘We examined the competitive ability of larval toads （Bufo gargarizans ） and frogs （Rana kukunoris ） which co-occur in natural pools in the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve. We measured the activity level, growth rate, mass at metamorphosis and larval period in a laboratory experiment. Tadpoles of B. gargarizans were significantly more active when food was abundant than scarce, while there was no significant difference in the activity of R. kukunoris tadpoles at different food levels. At low food availability, mass at metamorphosis and growth rate of R. kukunoris were significantly increased in the presence of B. gargarizans, whereas the presence of R. kukunoris had no significant effect on the mass and growth rate of B. gargarizans. In all treatments, the larval period of B. gargarizans at low food availability was the shortest. These results suggest that B. gargarizans can adapt to different food levels by changing their activity rate. At high food level, B. gargarizans increased activity to gain more food. At low food level, B. gargarizans decreased activity and achieved early metamorphosis. However, when food resources were limited, R. kukunoris could gain more food than B.gargarizans .
文摘Amphibians are considered as reliable indicators of environmental quality. In Europe, a general decline of amphibians population parallels a worldwide decline, and some of the factors which are thought to be responsible to this decline are habitat loss, introduction of exotic species, disease and decreasing water quality. Recent investigations suggest that these eutrophic conditions may be associated with frog reproduction problems. Water quality criteria settled for the different species of amphibians do not currently exist, but in the present paper, the authors report their observation about water phosphate concentrations in association with hipofertility in African clawed frogs （Xenopus laevis）. The study considered two different groups of African clawed frog showing hypofertility （22 patients） hosted in captivity. The animals were visited, and the filtration systems functionality and the water quality were checked, i.e., temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphates, hardness and alkalinity. In the first group, it was decided to perform ultrasound scans, parasitological tests on fecal samples, and microscopical/macroscopical examination, as well as microbiological analysis on collected oocytes. In the second group, only fecal samples were collected in order to perform parasitologiacal exams. No pathological findings were showed by veterinary tests. Water changes were carried out in both facilities and after two months, the fertility in African clawed frogs improved, evidencing the involvement of phosphates values in the onset of the problem and even more in its resolution. More studies are needed to further define this correlation.
