Malformed Frogs: The Collapse of Aquatic Ecosystems

by Michael J. Lannoo

The widespread appearance of frogs with deformed bodies has generated much press coverage over the past decade. Frogs with extra limbs or digits, missing limbs or digits, or misaligned appendages raise an alarming "Are deformed humans next?" Taking a fresh look at this disturbing environmental problem, this reference provides a balanced overview of the science behind the malformed frog phenomenon. Bringing together data from ecology, parasitology, and other disciplines, Michael Lannoo considers the possible causes of these deformities, tells which frogs have been affected, and addresses questions about what these malformations might mean to human populations. Featuring high-quality radiographic images, Malformed Frogs suggests that our focus should be on finding practical solutions, a key component of which will be controlling chemical, nutrient, and pesticide runoff into wetlands.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published July 5, 2008

Reviews

[Mantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find the topic of maformed frogs rather interesting and I was eager to read this book. It reads very much like a slightly research paper. I suppose I was hoping for something more narrative with the data and research flowing into the narritive as opposed to the other way around.
The too the point blocky writing made it difficult to keep my focus and stop myself from skipping around.

The book was no less interesting though and, sad as it is, the radiographs in this book are positively fascinating.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike Lannoo may be the most selfless conservation biologist I know. The royalties from every book he writes go back into conservation. If you are interested in the malformed frog crisis first observed in Minnesota in the 1990s, read about it from this scientist who quietly observed for 10 years before he offered his assessment. Chemicals? Parasites? Predation? Read the book and find out. If you are interested in human health, there is a lot to be learned here about developmental biology and how chemical contaminants affect humans, as well. Bravo Mike!