TUNE, Jenna S*; SCHIERMEIER, Morgan; MCDANIEL, Marshall; MUELLER, Jessica; CAMPBELL, John; MAGLIA, Anne M; Univ. of Missouri, Rolla; Univ. of Missouri, Rolla; Univ. of Missouri, Rolla; Univ. of Missouri, Rolla; Univ. of Missouri, Rolla; Univ. of Missouri, Rolla: The Effects of Mine Drainage on Frog Population Viability

In this project, we examine the effects of mine drainage on amphibian development and population viability. Frog populations are in decline worldwide, and although the causes are debatable, habitat contamination is a primary suspect. Missouri, a leading producer of lead, is home to numerous endemic amphibians that may be affected by heavy metals and acid run-off from active and historic mines. In this study, we examine the effects of mine drainage on development, population viability, habitat use, and population fragmentation in frogs by: 1) identifying populations exposed to mine drainage; 2) assessing species richness, population density, and population viability via body size and mass calculations and population demographics; 3) identifying and categorizing malformations, abnormalities, infections, and diseases in affected populations; and 4) conducting FETAX (Frog Embryo Teratogenic Assays using Xenopus) with waters from affected sites.