Immunological and reproductive effects of anthropized environments in Leptodactylus fuscus (Anura)

Anthropogenic disturbances in the Cerrado Protected Areas, specifically Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, significantly alter the immunological and reproductive systems of the frog Leptodactylus fuscus. Research indicates that exposure to agricultural (soybean and sugarcane) and urban environments leads to increased lymphocyte and neutrophil counts, reduced spleen white pulp, elevated red pulp, higher mast cell presence, and changes in melanin pigmentation. Additionally, frogs from highly disturbed areas show an expansion in the area occupied by spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa, suggesting multi-systemic physiological adaptations or stress responses. This study highlights the potential of tissue biomarkers for monitoring wild populations under environmental stress, providing critical insights into the impacts of anthropogenic activities on native anuran communities.

Rezende, W. R., de Lacerda Valverde, B. S., de Souza Santos, L. R., Franco-Belussi, L., & De Oliveira, C. (2026). Immunological and reproductive effects of anthropized environments in Leptodactylus fuscus (Anura). Ecotoxicology, 35(7). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-026-03140-6