The Amphibian Project

Launched in 1995, this is a collaborative study of how environmental contaminants affect cane toad (Bufo marinus) populations.  The project investigates the toxic effects of pollution on amphibians, fish, and terrapins as well as the potential impact of contaminants on the health of other species, including humans.  Residue analyses have revealed elevated levels of heavy metals in affected toad and terrapin tissues and very high levels of petroleum hydrocarbons in mosquito fish and terrapins from certain sites.  These data suggest that environmental contaminants are not just adversely affecting amphibians, but other wildlife species as well. 

Furthermore, an investigation into the immunotoxicity of pond water and sediment from two contaminated ponds showed that toadlets reared in contaminated media have a significantly reduced immune response compared to those raised in noncontaminated media.  These data suggest immune function suppression in toads due to contaminants may occur at many sites in Bermuda.  The data also have considerable implications for Bermuda's endemic killifish and native diamondback terrapin populations.

Future work will extend source assessments of contaminants and the development of management strategies to avert long term impacts that could ultimately result in the extinction of species.