Morphological abnormalities in frogs from a rice-growing region in NSW, Australia, with investigations into pesticide exposure.

Three frog species (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis, Limnodynastes fletcheri and Litoria raniformis) were surveyed in rice bays of the Coleambally Irrigation Area (CIA), NSW, Australia, during the rice-growing seasons of 2005/2006 and 2006/2007. A total external morphological abnormality index of 7.0% was observed in frogs of the CIA (n=1,209).

Growth, development and sex ratios of Spotted Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis) larvae exposed to atrazine and a herbicide mixture.

Exposures of Limnodynastes tasmaniensis tadpoles to atrazine (0.1, 1, 3 and 30microgL(-1)), metolachlor (0.1, 1 and 10microgL(-1)) and thiobencarb (90, 180 and 360microgL(-1)) from Gosner stage 28 to 42 under controlled laboratory conditions gave no significant effects on tadpole growth, development and sex ratios.