Anti-predator behavioral responses of Italian agile frog tadpoles (Rana latastei) exposed to microplastics.

Microplastics (MPs) are nowadays abundant, persistent, and ubiquitous in the environment, representing a new threat for terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems. Although anuran populations and species are globally declining, the effect of MP exposure on this taxon has been poorly investigated. With the aim of assessing the effects of microplastic exposure on the defensive responses of Italian agile frog (Rana latastei) tadpoles, we exposed them to three different concentrations (1, 7, and 50 mg L) of a mixture of plastic polymers (HPDE, PVC, PS, and PES) for 2 weeks.

Differential effects of microplastic exposure on anuran tadpoles: A still underrated threat to amphibian conservation?

Microplastics (MPs) have been reported to threaten a wide variety of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater organisms. However, knowledge about the effects of MPs on anuran amphibians, one of the most threatened taxa worldwide, is still limited. To assess the effects of MPs on the growth and survival of the Italian agile frog (Rana latastei) and green toad (Bufotes balearicus), we exposed tadpoles to three different concentrations (1, 7, and 50 mg L) of an environmental relevant mixture of microplastics (HPDE, PVC, PS and PES), recording data on their activity level, weight and mortality rates.