Habitat differences affect the nuclear morphology of the erythrocytes and the hepatic melanin in Leptodactylus fuscus (Anura) in the Brazilian Cerrado savanna

The sensitivity of anuran to the effects habitat destruction and contamination has led a preoccupying global decline in their populations. Morphological biomarkers such as micronuclei other erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities (ENAs), well occurrence hepatic melanin, can be used evaluate impacts. In present study, these two parameters were combined for situ assessment soybean cultivation on grassfrog, Leptodactylus fuscus. Specimens also collected from protected area provide reference site (non-agricultural environment). frequency some animals plantation was much higher than that recorded at site, particular micronuclei, which 3.6 times more frequent plantation, lobulated nuclei (3.4 frequent), reniform nuclei, four common site. analysis all ENAs together revealed approximately 1.4 comparison with area. Smaller areas melanin observed specimens plantation. These results further evidence anurans impacts indicate found plantations are susceptible systematic alterations cells.