Within- and among-population level differences in response to chronic copper exposure in southern toads, Anaxyrus terrestris

Environmental contaminants are implicated in the global decline of amphibian populations. Copper (Cu) is a widespread contaminant that can be toxic at concentrations just above the normal physiological range. In the present study we examined the effects of chronic Cu aqueous exposure on embryos and larvae of southern toads, Anaxyrus (Bufo) terrestris. Measurable levels of Cu were found in larvae, with tissue concentrations up to 27.5 μg Cu/g dry mass. Aqueous concentrations of Cu as low as 10 μg/L significantly reduced survival to the free-swimming stage and no larvae reached metamorphosis at concentrations above 15 μg/L. Clutches from populations with prior Cu exposure had the lowest survivorship. Among several populations there was significant variation in survivorship at different levels of Cu. More data are needed to understand the underlying causes of within- and among-population resilience to anthropogenic stressors.

► Southern toad, Anaxyrus terrestris, embryos and larvae are highly sensitive to Cu.
► Significant variation in survivorship exists among clutches and populations.
► Clutches with prior Cu exposure had the lowest survivorship.
► Body burdens in larvae were up to 27.5 μg Cu/g dry mass.