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Horticulture poses a significant ecological risk, as agrochemicals are applied more frequently and in larger quantities per unit of production compared to extensive crop fields. The native amphibian Rhinella arenarum serves as a reliable bioindicator of environmental health. This study aimed to assess genocytotoxic damage and demographic life history traits of R. arenarum inhabiting horticultural environments. Sampling was conducted in suburban sites in central Argentina: H1 and H2 (sites associated with horticultural activity) and a reference site, RS. Environmental parameters were recorded, and the frequency of micronuclei (Mn), nuclear abnormalities (ENA), and indicators of cytotoxic damage were determined in tadpoles and adults. Demographic variables (age at maturity, longevity, potential reproductive lifespan, size at maturity, modal lifespan) were calculated. The highest nitrate and phosphate values, along with low dissolved oxygen values, were recorded at sites H1 and H2. Organisms inhabiting horticultural environments exhibited higher frequencies of Mn and ENA, surpassing those recorded in previous studies on tadpoles from sites with extensive crop production. Size at maturity and age at maturity of females, as well as size at maturity, longevity, mean age, and mean adult SVL of males, were lower in horticultural sites. The results support the hypothesis that anuran populations inhabiting horticultural environments demonstrate a diminished health status attributed to subpar environmental quality. Monitoring endpoints at different biological levels provides information on the ecotoxicological risk for amphibians and human populations inhabiting nearby areas.

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Morphological abnormalities in amphibians may be attributed to contaminants, ultraviolet radiation and trematode parasites, or a synergistic effect between them. In the present study, morphological abnormalities in Rhinella arenarum adults from natural and artificial fluoride-rich environments were identified and evaluated. Three sites were sampled in central Argentina: Los Vallecitos stream (LF-LV), Los Cerros Negros stream (MF-CN), and Decantation ponds (HF-DP), with low (0.33 mg/L), middle (2.03 mg/L) and high (14.0 mg/L) fluoride levels respectively; the latter site is associated with a fluoride mine. Abnormal individuals were photographed and then standard radiographs were taken. Abnormality frequencies and relative percentage of abnormal individuals were calculated for each site. In addition, skeletochronology was used to estimate toad's age. Five abnormality types were identified: syndactyly, ectrodactyly, polydactyly, microphthalmia and ectromelia. Percentages of abnormal individuals per site were: LF-LV = 4%, MF-CN = 21.2% and HF-DP = 6.4%. The MF-CN and HF-DP populations had morphological abnormality frequencies that exceeded the reference value (5%) reported in the literature. The average age did not differ between sites. The results of this study indicate that there is an association between frequency of morphological abnormalities and high fluoride levels.

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Resumen El conocimiento de la dinámica de poblaciones provee información sobre la historia reciente, el estado actual y la tendencia futura de una población. Physalaemus biligonigerus es un anuro con una amplia distribución en el Neotrópico, presenta una actividad reproductiva elevada y explosiva, pero sus poblaciones parecen estar compuestas por individuos jóvenes. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la demografía poblacional de P. biligonigerus en una charca semipermanente en Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina y realizar una proyección poblacional a 30 generaciones. Se determinó la estructura de edad utilizando esqueletocronología, y posteriormente se construyó una tabla de vida estática. Se calculo la fecundidad y las tasas de supervivencia para cada estadío con los que se construyó una Matriz de Leslie y se realizó la proyección poblacional. La proyección muestra oscilaciones en el número de individuos pero a pesar de esto, la tendencia final de la población es a un aumento en su tamaño. La mayor proporción de supervivientes se da en las fases de huevos a larvas, y la fuerza de mortalidad actúa con intensidad sobre la fase de larvas. La tasa neta reproductiva indica que la población de P. biligonigerus de la charca en estudio está en incremento.

Abstract Knowledge of population dynamics provides information on the recent history, current status, and future trends of a population. Physalaemus biligonigerus is widely distributed in the Neotropics, this anuran has a high and explosive reproductive activity, but its populations seem to be composed of young individuals. The objective of this study was to analyze the population demography of P. biligonigerus in a semipermanent pond in Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina and to carry out a population projection through 30 generations. The age structure was determined from the use of skeletochronology, and a static life table was later made. Fertility and survival rates were calculated for each stage, by which a Leslie Matrix was constructed and the population projection was performed. The projection shows oscillations in the number of individuals but in spite of this, the final tendency of the population is an increase in its size. The highest proportion of survivors occurs in the egg-to-larval stages and the mortality force acts intensively on the larval phase. The net reproductive rate indicates that the population of P. biligonigerus of the study pond is increasing. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 765-775. Epub 2018 June 01.

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Degradation of the environment by agriculture affects the persistence and health of the amphibian populations. Characteristics related to reproduction of anuran can be used to evaluate the status of populations and as endpoints in environmental health assessment. In this in situ study the aspects related to the amplexus and ovipositions of the bioindicator species Rhinella arenarum that inhabits agroecosystems were analyzed. The hypothesis of this study is that perturbations of agroecosystems have a negative impact on the size of reproductive adults, on the size of ovipositions and eggs, and on the survival of eggs and embryos. Study area is located in the rural landscape of central Argentina. Four sampling sites were selected: C1, C2 and C3 are ponds on agroecosystems; and SM is a reference site that is not affected by agriculture or livestock. Abundance of amplexus pairs, oviposition and tadpoles per site was recorded. Individuals´ snout-vent length (SVL) in amplexus was measured. The fecundity was calculated like number of eggs per oviposition. The eggs' Gosner stage, the diameter eggs and the frequency of dead and abnormal eggs were recorded by oviposition. Killing-power between egg-embryo and egg-tadpole was calculated. The higher phosphate concentration was detected in all agroecosystems and nitrate was detected in C1 and C2. Conductivity, salinity and SDT were higher in C1 site Male SVL from the SM site was lower than the other sites while the largest SVL was of female from the C3 site. The higher frequencies of sprouted eggs and of dead eggs were recorded in the C2 site. Egg diameter was associated with SM and correlated negatively to SVL of the male and female. No correlation between female SVL and oviposition size was recorded. Killing-power in the passage from egg to tadpole classes was higher in the three agroecosystems. The hypothesis of this study was corroborated in part. Reproductive adults in agroecosystems did not have smaller body size. However, in the agroecosystem ponds, the eggs with smaller diameter were registered, the oviposition had higher frequency of abnormal eggs and the higher mortality was registered. This confirms the high sensitivity of the early stages to environmental disturbances and sustains their use as endpoints for the environmental health assessment.

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Chemical prroducts used in farming and wastes from livestock can contaminate pond water in agroecosystems due to runoff. Amphibians using these ponds for breeding are probably exposed to pollutants, and serious consequences might be observed afterward at the population level. Assessment biological endpoints of anuran to water quality give a realistic estimate of the probability of occurrence of adverse effects and provide an early warning signal. In this study, the ecotoxicity of agroecosystem ponds from the south of Córdoba province, Argentina, was investigated. Ponds in four sites with different degrees of human disturbance were selected: three agroecosystems (A1, A2, A3) and a site without crops or livestock (SM). The effect of pond water quality on the biological endpoint of Rhinella arenarum tadpoles was examined using microcosms with pond water from sites. Biological endpoints assessed were as follows: mortality, growth, development, morphological abnormalities (in body shape, gut, and labial tooth row formula), behavior, and blood cell parameters (micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities). Results indicated that water from agroecosystems has adverse effect on early life stage of R. arenarum. High mortality and fewer metamorphs were recorded in the A1 and A3 treatments. Tadpoles and metamorphs from A1 and A2 treatments had lower body condition. Tadpoles from A1 and A3 showed the highest prevalence of morphological abnormalities. The lowest amount of tadpoles feeding and the highest percentage of tadpoles swimming on the surface were observed in treatments with agroecosystem pond water. The higher frequencies of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities were recorded in tadpoles from A1, A2, and A3 treatments. We check the sensitivity of the biological endpoints of R. arenarum tadpoles like early warning indicators of water quality. We found that the poor water quality of agroecosystem ponds has impact on the health of the tadpoles, and this could affect the persistence of populations. We recommend implementation of management actions before the harmful effects of agroecosystem pond water on early life stage of anuran become evident in higher ecological levels.

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Anthropogenic activities may generate significant changes in the integrity of aquatic ecosystems, so long-term monitoring of populations that inhabit them is crucial. Counting micronucleated erythrocytes (MN) and erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) in peripheral blood is a widely used method for detecting chromosomal damage due to chemical agents in the water. We analyzed MN and ENA frequency in blood obtained from the common toad Rhinella arenarum populations in sites with different degrees of environmental degradation. The results of this study indicate that there is an association between the frequency of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities and the degree of environmental alteration recorded for the sites studied.

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Perturbations of water bodies near agricultural and livestock systems can affect embryonic and larval stages of anurans and negatively impact adult populations and structure of amphibian communities. This study is focused on early development of Rhinella arenarum, for which body growth, abnormalities in the oral disc and genetic damage on erythrocytes were analyzed to establish the impact of agroecosystems on local populations of amphibians. Tadpoles and metamorphs of R. arenarum were collected in three agroecosystems (namely, C1, C2, and C3) and in a site without agricultural and livestock activities (SM) from central Argentina. Egg masses of C1 were extracted for breeding tadpoles under laboratory conditions (Lab). Tadpoles were in small size and lighter in weight in C1 and C2. Metamorphs were shorter and lighter in weight in C1 and C3. In SM and Lab samples, no tadpoles with abnormal LTRF (labial tooth row formula) or without labial teeth were observed. In C1, the highest frequency of abnormal LTRF was recorded and was the only site in which tadpoles without labial teeth were found. In C1 and C2 the tadpoles had highest micronucleus frequencies and nuclear abnormalities. C1 can be considered as the site with the highest anthropogenic perturbation and with less healthy tadpoles. Livestock practices such as alternating cattle between parcel and keeping a buffer between crops and water bodies, would allow a better development of the first aquatic stages that are essential for the conservation of the anuran populations.

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Los anfibios son constituyentes integrales de ecosistemas naturales y agrícolas, y debido a su sensibilidad pueden ser utilizados como bioindicadores. La frecuencia de micronúcleos se emplea como un biomarcador que evalúa la respuesta a agentes genotóxicos. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar y comparar la frecuencia de micronúcleos en eritrocitos de Bufo arenarum que habitan ambientes antrópicos de la ciudad de Río Cuarto. Se escogieron tres sitios modificados: un lago urbano Lago Villa Dálcar (33º06´S-64º22´W) y dos sitios de cultivo denominados Cultivo1 (33º05S-64º26W) y Cultivo 2 (33º05S-64º25W). Como control se escogió un área ubicada en las sierras de Comechingones, en el Campo Experimental Las Guindas (32º35S- 64º42W), pertenecientes a la UNRC. En cada sitio se recolectaron ocho individuos utilizando trampas de caída y relevamientos por encuentros visuales. A cada individuo se le extrajo sangre de la vena angularis inmediatamente después de la captura. Se realizaron dos extendidos por cada individuo, se dejaron secar al aire por 24 hs, luego se fijaron con metanol por 20 minutos y se colorearon con Giemsa al 5% durante 10 minutos. Posteriormente los frotis fueron analizados con microscopio (1000X) y se tomaron fotografías con cámara digital. La frecuencia de micronúcleos fue contabilizada para 4000 células por individuo. Se realizaron comparaciones utilizando el test de Kruskal-Wallis. Las frecuencias de micronúcleos encontradas son: Las Guindas: 0,17 ± 0,23; Cultivo1: 0,78 ± 0,28; Cultivo 2: 0,61 ± 0,45 y Villa Dálcar: 0,76 ± 0,47. Existen diferencias significativas entre el control y los demás sitios (p< 0,01). Los resultados obtenidos demuestran la relevancia en la aplicación del test de micronúcleos in vivo en anfibios anuros para comparar distintos ambientes. Estos resultados indicarían la necesidad de nuevas investigaciones y de un monitoreo más prolongado en el tiempo para estos ambientes, incluyendo por ejemplo otros tipos de biomarcadores, así como otras posibles especies representativas de la región.(AU)

Amphibians are integral constituents of natural and agricultural ecosystems, and because of their sensitivity can be used as bioindicators. Micronuclei test is used as a biomarker for determining the response to genotoxic agents. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the frequency of micronuclei in peripheral blood erythrocytes of Bufo arenarum toads that inhabiting anthropic environments for the city of Rio Cuarto. Organisms used in the MN test were collected from three sites modified: an urban lakeVilla Dalcar (33º06´S-64º22´W) and two cultivation sites called Crop 1 (33º05S-64º26W) and Crop 2 (33º05S-64º25W). As a control site, an area in the mountains of Comechingones, Las Guindas (32º35S-64º42W), belonging to the UNRC was sampled. At each site, eight individuals were collected using pitfall traps and by visual encounter surveys. To each individual is bled from the vein angularis immediately after capture. We performed two extended for each individual, air-dried for 24 hours, then fixed with methanol for 20 minutes and stained with 5% Giemsa for 10 minutes. Then the smears were analyzed with microscope (1000X) and took pictures with digital camera. For each individual the frequency of micronuclei for 4000 cells was recorded. Comparisons were made using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Micronuclei frequencies found are: Las Guindas: 0.17± 0.23; Crop 1: 0.78 ± 0.28, Crop 2: 0.61 ± 0.45 and Villa Dalcar: 0.76 ± 0.47. There are significant differences between the control and the other sites (p< 0.01). These findings show the relevance in the application of micronucleus test in vivo for anuran amphibians to compare different environments. These results suggest the need for further research and monitoring longer time for these environments, including such other biomarkers, as well as other possible species representative of the region.(AU)

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Los anfibios son constituyentes integrales de ecosistemas naturales y agrícolas, y debido a su sensibilidad pueden ser utilizados como bioindicadores. La frecuencia de micronúcleos se emplea como un biomarcador que evalúa la respuesta a agentes genotóxicos. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar y comparar la frecuencia de micronúcleos en eritrocitos de Bufo arenarum que habitan ambientes antrópicos de la ciudad de Río Cuarto. Se escogieron tres sitios modificados: un lago urbano Lago Villa Dálcar (33º06´S-64º22´W) y dos sitios de cultivo denominados Cultivo1 (33º05'S-64º26'W) y Cultivo 2 (33º05'S-64º25'W). Como control se escogió un área ubicada en las sierras de Comechingones, en el Campo Experimental Las Guindas (32º35'S- 64º42'W), pertenecientes a la UNRC. En cada sitio se recolectaron ocho individuos utilizando trampas de caída y relevamientos por encuentros visuales. A cada individuo se le extrajo sangre de la vena angularis inmediatamente después de la captura. Se realizaron dos extendidos por cada individuo, se dejaron secar al aire por 24 hs, luego se fijaron con metanol por 20 minutos y se colorearon con Giemsa al 5% durante 10 minutos. Posteriormente los frotis fueron analizados con microscopio (1000X) y se tomaron fotografías con cámara digital. La frecuencia de micronúcleos fue contabilizada para 4000 células por individuo. Se realizaron comparaciones utilizando el test de Kruskal-Wallis. Las frecuencias de micronúcleos encontradas son: Las Guindas: 0,17 ± 0,23; Cultivo1: 0,78 ± 0,28; Cultivo 2: 0,61 ± 0,45 y Villa Dálcar: 0,76 ± 0,47. Existen diferencias significativas entre el control y los demás sitios (p< 0,01). Los resultados obtenidos demuestran la relevancia en la aplicación del test de micronúcleos in vivo en anfibios anuros para comparar distintos ambientes. Estos resultados indicarían la necesidad de nuevas investigaciones y de un monitoreo más prolongado en el tiempo para estos ambientes, incluyendo por ejemplo otros tipos de biomarcadores, así como otras posibles especies representativas de la región.

Amphibians are integral constituents of natural and agricultural ecosystems, and because of their sensitivity can be used as bioindicators. Micronuclei test is used as a biomarker for determining the response to genotoxic agents. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the frequency of micronuclei in peripheral blood erythrocytes of Bufo arenarum toads that inhabiting anthropic environments for the city of Rio Cuarto. Organisms used in the MN test were collected from three sites modified: an urban lakeVilla Dalcar (33º06´S-64º22´W) and two cultivation sites called Crop 1 (33º05'S-64º26'W) and Crop 2 (33º05'S-64º25'W). As a control site, an area in the mountains of Comechingones, Las Guindas (32º35'S-64º42'W), belonging to the UNRC was sampled. At each site, eight individuals were collected using pitfall traps and by visual encounter surveys. To each individual is bled from the vein angularis immediately after capture. We performed two extended for each individual, air-dried for 24 hours, then fixed with methanol for 20 minutes and stained with 5% Giemsa for 10 minutes. Then the smears were analyzed with microscope (1000X) and took pictures with digital camera. For each individual the frequency of micronuclei for 4000 cells was recorded. Comparisons were made using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Micronuclei frequencies found are: Las Guindas: 0.17± 0.23; Crop 1: 0.78 ± 0.28, Crop 2: 0.61 ± 0.45 and Villa Dalcar: 0.76 ± 0.47. There are significant differences between the control and the other sites (p< 0.01). These findings show the relevance in the application of micronucleus test in vivo for anuran amphibians to compare different environments. These results suggest the need for further research and monitoring longer time for these environments, including such other biomarkers, as well as other possible species representative of the region.

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The advancing agricultural frontier has led to an important loss of natural habitats, with significant consequences for biodiversity. The demography for two species of anurans, Physalaemus biligonigerus and Rhinella arenarum, both associated with agricultural systems in the central region of the C6rdoba Province, were analyzed and compared in this study. Four sites were sampled: three agroecosystems with different alteration degrees (C1, C2 and SM1) and a fourth site not cultivated (SM2). The sampling was conducted during two reproductive periods, from September 2008 to April 2009 and September 2009 to April 2010. Individuals were captured using live pitfall traps for the metamorphic, juveniles and adults; and visual encounter survey, for the capture of eggs and larvae. With the abundance data, the survival for each age class was estimated using the KNM method (Kiritani Nakasuki Manly). With survival rates and fertility population, Leslie matrices were elaborated to obtain a quantitative projection of the population size. Altered environments showed lower eggs and larvae survival. Population projections were favorable in the site SM2 and were less favorable and a tendency to extinction, in sites dominated by crops. This study showed that the agroecosystems of this region are possibly inhospitable environments for reproduction and survival of the species studied. The aquatic stages in the life cycle of both species would be the more affected, since water bodies deterioration is present or may occur in those areas. We can recognize species-specific effects of agricultural ecosystems; P. biligonigerus was the most affected species, possibly because of their life histories and habitat requirements. We suggested that environmental degradation caused by the cropland in the central region of Argentina would impact on the demographics of the anuran populations in the area.

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The advancing agricultural frontier has led to an important loss of natural habitats, with significant consequences for biodiversity. The demography for two species of anurans, Physalaemus biligonigerus and Rhinella arenarum, both associated with agricultural systems in the central region of the Córdoba Province, were analyzed and compared in this study. Four sites were sampled: three agroecosystems with different alteration degrees (C1, C2 and SM1) and a fourth site not cultivated (SM2). The sampling was conducted during two reproductive periods, from September 2008 to April 2009 and September 2009 to April 2010. Individuals were captured using live pitfall traps for the metamorphic, juveniles and adults; and visual encounter survey, for the capture of eggs and larvae. With the abundance data, the survival for each age class was estimated using the KNM method (Kiritani Nakasuki Manly). With survival rates and fertility population, Leslie matrices were elaborated to obtain a quantitative projection of the population size. Altered environments showed lower eggs and larvae survival. Population pro-jections were favorable in the site SM2 and were less favorable and a tendency to extinction, in sites dominated by crops. This study showed that the agroecosystems of this region are possibly inhospitable environments for reproduction and survival of the species studied. The aquatic stages in the life cycle of both species would be the more affected, since water bodies deterioration is present or may occur in those areas. We can recognize species-specific effects of agricultural ecosystems; P. biligonigerus was the most affected species, possibly because of their life histories and habitat requirements. We suggested that environmental degradation caused by the cropland in the central region of Argentina would impact on the demographics of the anuran populations in the area.

El crecimiento de la agricultura produce pérdida del hábitat natural, con consecuencias para la biodiversidad de los anfibios. Se analizó la demografía poblacional de dos especies de anfibios en agroecosistemas de la provincia de Córdoba, Rhinella arenarum y Physalaemus biligonigerus. Los muestreos se realizaron en tres agroecosistemas y en un cuarto sitio, no afectado por cultivos. Los individuos se capturaron utilizando trampas de caída viva y relevamientos visuales. Con los datos de abundancia se estimó la supervivencia para cada clase de edad y con las tasas de supervivencia y fertilidad poblacional, se construyeron matrices de Leslie para obtener una proyección cuantitativa del tamaño poblacional. Las proyecciones poblacionales fueron favorables para el sitio SM2 y desfavorables para los sitios cultivados. Los agroecosistemas son ambientes posiblemente inhóspitos para la reproducción y supervivencia de las especies estudiadas. Particularmente se ven afectados aquellos estadios acuáticos del ciclo de vida de estas especies, debido al deterioro de los cuerpos de agua en estas áreas. Se reconocieron efectos especie-específicos de los ecosistemas agrícolas, ya que P. biligonigerus resultó la especie más afectada. Se sugiere un deterioro ambiental producido por cultivos extensivos de soja, lo que impactaría la demografía de las poblaciones de anuros.

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Trophic ecology in tadpoles of Rhinella arenarum (Anura: Bufonidae) in agroecosystems and their possible implications for conservation. The progress of the agriculture border has led an important loss of natural habitats, with significant consequences for biodiversity. In this sense, the studies in anuran amphibian tadpoles inhabiting these environments are relevant, because the larval stage is a phase of population regulation. The aim of this study was to analyze the body condition and diet in Rhinella arenarum, tadpoles, an anuran species widely distributed in South America and that inhabit agroecosystems. Three sites were sampled, two agroecosystems with different alteration degrees (C1 and C2) and an uncultured (SM) third place. The captured tadpoles were anesthetized, fixed and preserved in formaldehyde (10%). Subsequently, body measurements were made and the complete intestine was removed and analyzed for food items under a binocular microscope. The diet in R. arenarum tadpoles has a dominance of algae Bacillariophyceae, followed by Cyanophyceae. In particular, the class Bacillariophyceae, due to the presence of the genus Navicula, Nitzschia, Gomphonema and Hantzschia, was important in the diet of the anurans in those agroecosystems. Class Cyanophyceae, mainly represented by genus Oscillatoria and Euglenophyceae represented by Euglena and Strombomonas, were predominant in the diet of the anurans in SM. Some differences in the total items consumed by tadpole were observed between the studied sites. Tadpoles that inhabit the modified sites (C1 and C2) recorded a significantly smaller amount of food. Moreover, the tadpoles that inhabit these sites showed a lower body condition. The presence of certain algae associated with eutrophic environments, could indicate some pollution in agroecosystems (C1 and C2). Food resources would be lesser in places with strong agricultural activity, possibly with a greater degree of eutrophication. A smaller food amount could have consequences at population level for the short and long time terms, because of its impact on individual growth. Larval diet is suggested as a potential bioindicator of environmental health for these areas. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (2): 771-779. Epub 2012 June 01.

El crecimiento de la agricultura produce perdida del habitat natural, con consecuencias para la biodiversidad de los anfibios. Se analizo la dieta y condición corporal de larvas de anuros de Rhinella arenarum que habitan agroecosistemas. Los muestreos fueron realizados en dos agroecosistemas y en un tercer sitio, no afectado por cultivos. Las larvas capturadas fueron anestesiadas, fijadas y preservadas en formaldehido, se realizaron medidas corporales y se analizo la dieta de las larvas. Se registro diversidad en la oferta alimenticia proporcionada por los distintos ambientes. La dieta tuvo una predominancia de algas Bacillarophyceae, seguidas por Cyanophyceae. Particularmente, los géneros Navicula, Nitzschia, Hantzschia y Gomphonema (clase Bacillarophyceae), fueron importantes en los agroecosistemas. Los géneros Osillatoria, Euglena y Strombomonas (clases Cyanophyceae y Euglenophyceae), predominaron en la dieta de las larvas de anuros en el sitio menos alterado. Las larvas de los sitios más alterados consumen menor cantidad de alimento y registran una menor condición corporal. La presencia de determinadas algas, indicarían un mayor grado de contaminación en los agroecosistemas. La eutrofización de lagunas podría alterar la disponibilidad de alimento para larvas de anuros que podría tener consecuencias poblacionales negativas. Se sugiere el análisis de dietas larvarias como un potencial bioindicador de salubridad ambiental.

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The progress of the agriculture border has led an important loss of natural habitats, with significant consequences for biodiversity. In this sense, the studies in anuran amphibian tadpoles inhabiting these environments are relevant, because the larval stage is a phase of population regulation. The aim of this study was to analyze the body condition and diet in Rhinella arenarum, tadpoles, an anuran species widely distributed in South America and that inhabit agroecosystems. Three sites were sampled, two agroecosystems with different alteration degrees (C1 and C2) and an uncultured (SM) third place. The captured tadpoles were anesthetized, fixed and preserved in formaldehyde (10%). Subsequently, body measurements were made and the complete intestine was removed and analyzed for food items under a binocular microscope. The diet in R. arenarum tadpoles has a dominance of algae Bacillariophyceae, followed by Cyanophyceae. In particular, the class Bacillariophyceae, due to the presence of the genus Navicula, Nitzschia, Gomphonema and Hantzschia, was important in the diet of the anurans in those agroecosystems. Class Cyanophyceae, mainly represented by genus Oscillatoria and Euglenophyceae represented by Euglena and Strombomonas, were predominant in the diet of the anurans in SM. Some differences in the total items consumed by tadpole were observed between the studied sites. Tadpoles that inhabit the modified sites (C1 and C2) recorded a significantly smaller amount of food. Moreover, the tadpoles that inhabit these sites showed a lower body condition. The presence of certain algae associated with eutrophic environments, could indicate some pollution in agroecosystems (C1 and C2). Food resources would be lesser in places with strong agricultural activity, possibly with a greater degree of eutrophication. A smaller food amount could have consequences at population level for the short and long time terms, because of its impact on individual growth. Larval diet is suggested as a potential bioindicator of environmental health for these areas.

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