One common physiological feature of amphibians and reptiles is poikilothermy which differentiates them from birds or mammals. Ecology/biology of amphibians and reptilesĪmphibians and reptiles are two phylogenetically distinct groups that show unique anatomical and physiological features compared with fish, birds and mammals. Therefore, a specific environmental risk assessment (ERA) scheme is needed for these groups. The Panel concludes that exposure of amphibians and reptiles to pesticides does occur, and that this exposure may lead to decline of populations and harm individuals, which would be of high concern. The majority of species in both groups are protected species under European regulation. Many of the European reptile species are threatened, with 42% of the reptile species exhibiting a declining population trend. In addition to ecotoxicological concerns, amphibians are the most endangered group of vertebrates with faster decline rates than mammals and birds. However, the absence of evidence is not necessarily considered as evidence of absence of effects. Field studies also exist where no unacceptable effects from the authorised use of pesticides were observed. There are few studies on reptiles, but those that exist suggest that pesticides can cause harm and that further investigation is needed. Even when including possible interception by crop plants, deposited residues are expected to lead to high risks for amphibians. Especially, studies on terrestrial stages of amphibian have shown that currently approved substances and authorised pesticides can cause mortality in frogs and toads at rates corresponding to authorised field rates. Laboratory, field and survey studies have linked pesticides with harm to amphibians. Amphibians often breed in water bodies in or adjacent to agricultural fields. Some amphibians and reptiles do occur in agricultural landscapes, some species resident and some migrating through. The opinion should provide the scientific basis for potentially developing a guidance document for pesticide risk assessment for amphibians and reptiles. Concerns had been raised that the current risk assessment of pesticides may not sufficiently cover the risk to amphibians and reptiles. The PPR Panel was tasked to provide a scientific opinion on the state of the science on pesticide risk assessment for amphibians and reptiles.
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