The case of the deformed frogs
Scientists are puzzled over the fact that an abnormal number of frogs in the central parts of the Western Ghats are seen to have deformities. Some are born with incomplete features. Their metamorphosis from tadpole to frog, when the tail gets absorbed in the body and the gill disappears, is affected. The deformities, which are not caused by predators or parasites, are generally confined to the periphery of the limbs and eyes. These include polydactyly (increase in the number of digits), brachydactyly (shortening of digits) Amelia(absence of a limb) and ectromelia(an incomplete limb). While a few are without an aye, others have their eyeballs discolored and shrunk.
These are the finding of a group of including Karthik Vasudevan who works with the Dehra Dun-based Wildlife Institute of India, S.Muralidharan an eco-toxicologist from the Dr.Salim Ali Centre For Ornithology and Natural History, Ciombatore and Karkala Deputy Conservator of Forest Vir Ranjan Singh. It is seen that frogs endemic to the Westernghats are significantly affected. Stream-breeding varieties are more affected than pool.breeders.
(The Hindu, 9th July 2007)
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