We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Preliminary study and first evidence of presence of microplastics in terrestrial herpetofauna from Southwestern Paraguay
Summary
Researchers conducted the first study on microplastic ingestion by terrestrial herpetofauna in southwestern Paraguay, finding microplastics in three species including Rhinella diptycha toads, Hemidactylus mabouia geckos, and a Tropidurus lizard species collected between 2019 and 2020.
Microplastic pollution has become a worldwide threat and impacts various animal species that ingest them. However, current knowledge of terrestrial animals ingesting microplastics is insufficient. Here we present the first preliminary study to analyze the ingestion and presence of microplastics in South American terrestrial herpetofauna. From November 2019 to March 2020, we actively searched for herpetofauna in 13 transects and two selected locations in Pilar, Paraguay. Three species of terrestrial herpetofauna were studied: Rhinella diptycha (n = 128), Hemidactylus mabouia (n = 133), and Tropidurus torquatus (n = 50). We examined stomach contents from 311 individuals by either stomach flushing (n = 43), or fecal analysis (n = 268). We found the presence of ingested microplastics in all species (n = 81) at varying amounts (R. diptycha: 48.44%, H. mabouia: 12.03%, and T. torquatus: 6.00%). We also found that proximity to water sources did not have an effect on microplastic ingestion. These findings provide further evidence that microplastic contamination is rife in environments and species that have not been previously tested for.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in invasive geckos (Hemidactylus mabouia and H. angulatus): first evidence in Cuba and the Caribbean, and transfer pathways of concern
Microplastics were found for the first time in the digestive tracts and feces of two invasive house gecko species in Cuba, documenting a new pathway by which plastics can enter terrestrial food webs. The geckos likely ingest microplastics while eating contaminated invertebrates, suggesting that plastic pollution is moving through land-based ecosystems in the Caribbean in ways not yet fully understood. This is the first record of microplastic contamination in reptiles in the Caribbean region.
Microplastic accumulation in a lizard species: Observations from the terrestrial environments
Researchers examined 152 snake-eyed lizards from 18 populations in Turkey and found microplastics in the digestive tracts of about 22% of them. Fibers and fragments were the most common types, likely coming from synthetic textiles and plastic waste in the lizards' habitats. This is one of the first studies showing that microplastic contamination has spread to terrestrial reptiles, meaning land-based food chains are also affected.
Microplastics: Their Effects on Amphibians and Reptiles-A Review
This review examines the effects of microplastics on amphibians and reptiles, synthesizing research on ingestion, tissue accumulation, and physiological impacts in these often-overlooked vertebrate groups.
Terrestrial wildlife as indicators of microplastic pollution in western Thailand
Researchers found microplastics in 92% of terrestrial wildlife examined in western Thailand, including snakes, birds, lizards, and amphibians both inside and outside protected areas. Fibers were the most common type, making up 77% of all particles found. This study demonstrates that microplastic pollution has spread throughout land-based food webs, even in protected natural areas, suggesting that virtually all wildlife is now exposed.
Characterization of Ingested Microplastics in a Regional Endemic Lizard Apathya cappadocica (Werner, 1902) from Türkiye
Researchers found microplastics in 19.35% of Apathya cappadocica lizards examined in Türkiye, with 27 total particles detected, predominantly fibers in navy blue, red, and black colors ranging from 50 to 1,727 micrometers, marking one of the first records of microplastic ingestion in this endemic reptile species.