Will frogs become extinct because of pesticides?

British and Swedish researchers warn pesticides can erase frogs when causing gender imbalance and eliminate their fertility.

Earlier, German scientists recorded pesticides that reduced 75% of the number of insects in the country's natural reserve. The food chain is thus affected, leading to the disappearance of many birds in rural Europe.

Fertility of frogs is affected by the widespread use of pesticides - (Photo: Getty Images).

To test for amphibians, Dr. Cecilia Berg specialized in toxicology and biology at Uppsala University, Sweden, and a team of researchers from home and abroad to investigate the impact of Linuron (herbicide when growing potatoes). west) on West African claw frog.

The South African clawed frog tadpole released into the laboratory has equivalent pesticide concentrations in the natural environment and is monitored throughout the life cycle. Scientists found tadpoles primarily developed ovaries rather than testicles.

The group thinks it is because Linuron causes hormonal disruption or fracture of hormones, preventing testosterone production.

This substance not only reduces male frog's fertility but also significantly changes the sex ratio of tadpoles. This makes scientists worried that the animal is in danger of extinction.

"The results show that pesticides have a permanent mechanism of injury such as reducing the ability of frogs to reproduce , " said Dr. Berg said, the Independent quote. "This reinforces previous research to show that hormonal compounds that are released into the environment can adversely affect amphibians."

Spraying pesticides in summer-autumn rice fields - (Photo: K.NAM).

While Linuron is not allowed to use in the UK and Sweden, this pesticide is commonly used in North America and many countries in Europe.

"The European Commission is currently working on a number of measures to improve the risk assessment of pesticides," said Dr. Berg.

Last April, the European Union passed a ban on three pesticides after the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa) confirmed that these pesticides pose serious threats to bees and bees. honey.

Scientists believe that about 40% of amphibian species are threatened, becoming vulnerable due to habitat loss, climate change and pollution.