May 9, 2011
There are several vernal ("relating to the springtime") pools located around the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center. Past research has shown that each harbors a unique community of plants and invertebrates and amphibians, with no two having the exact same mix of species. "Hog Lake", as you see pictured, is the largest vernal pool on the property. This pond hosts a high percentage of malformed Pacific tree frogs with severe limb deformities, caused by trematode (Ribeiroia ondatrae) parasite infections upon early-stage developing frog embryos (developing tadpoles). Ribeiroia has a complex life cycle involving pulmonate snails, amphibians, and amphibian-eating birds.
