Physiological consequences of exposure to salinized roadside ponds on wood frog larvae and adults. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hall, Emily M.; Brady, Steven P.; Mattheus, Nichole M.; Earley, Ryan L.; Diamond, Molly; Crespi, Erica J.
• Is Part Of: Biological conservation. Volume 209(2017)
• Page Start: 98
• Page End: 106
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Amphibian -- Roads -- De-icing road salt -- Local adaptation -- Stress -- Corticosterone; Conservation of natural resources -- Periodicals; Nature conservation -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 333.9516
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2017.02.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3207

Abstract

Abstract: Aquatic organisms living adjacent to roads face many challenges posed by exposure to toxic runoff. The use of de-icing road salt across northern latitudes has salinized nearby freshwater habitats. Freshwater amphibians exposed to road salt at early life stages typically experience reduced survival; however, few studies address later-life effects. One study investigating whether populations can adapt to roadside ponds found survival in wood frog embryos raised in roadside environments was lowest in individuals with parents from roadside ponds. We investigated whether this negative response is also exhibited in late larval stages in reciprocally transplanted individuals from roadside populations and those located away from roads ('woodland' populations). We found reduced growth rates and more variable developmental rates in larvae raised in roadside ponds relative to woodland ponds regardless of origin, but no difference in survival between rearing environments. Laboratory exposure to road salt at relevant concentrations (0.6 ppt salinity) reduced larval activity and foraging behaviors, which may explain slower growth observed in the transplant experiment. Physiological assays of adult males migrating to breed revealed increased water retention in roadside populations. Further, these bloated males exhibited elevated resting plasma corticosterone levels and reduced capacity to secrete corticosterone when stimulated. Potential fitness consequences, such as reduced longevity and fecundity post metamorphosis through adulthood, of the roadside habitat could affect wood frog demography. Taken together, we provide evidence that the conditions experienced in the roadside environment pose challenges across life stages that have implications for persistence if populations are challenged with further stressors. Highlights: Anuran larvae survive roadside conditions at the cost of slower growth rates. Chronic road salt exposure alters foraging and activity behaviors of anuran larvae. Adult frogs migrating to roadside ponds exhibit substantial water retention. Bloated adults have a lower physiological capacity to respond to additional stress. Potential consequences of roadside living are reduced longevity and fecundity.