Toads suffer from ozone, too
Toads have been disappearing for many years, and scientists have theorized the cause could be everything from pesticides to voracious trout. A study released this month suggests air pollution, too.
The study in the latest issue of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry says these sensitive amphibians react like mammals. In humans, ozone oxidizes the skin, eyes and lungs. Scientists concluded that ozone might be a factor in amphibian declines.
Studies in the Sierra Nevada over the last decade have shown alarming drops in mountain yellow-legged frogs. The San Joaquin Valley's ozone is known to drift into the mountains. Last year Sequoia had more violations than any place in the Valley.
Biologists probably will continue intensely studying amphibians because they are viewed as indicators of environmental health.
Comments:
That's really interesting, don't toads breathe through their skin.
I think a lot of animals are harbingers of environmental health. Isn't that part of every disaster movie, when the animals start running in a different direction for some reason?
Posted by: Valley Notebook at May 18, 2008 7:01 PM
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