Maria Garcia

Bio 1615-F15 Bunkall

Article Assignment 3
11/17/2015
INCIDENCE OF PIGMENTED SKIN TUMORS IN A POPULATION OF WILD MONTSENY
BROOK NEWT
Introduction
Pigmented skin tumors were found on an endangered amphibian species called Montseny
Brook Newt (here after referred to as Newt). This specific Newt has only been found in
mountainous areas, by streams and forested areas. They are only found at altitudes of 620 to
1200 m, as well as they have only been discovered in the North Eastern Iberian Peninsula. A
study conducted by (Amatr and Carranza, 2006) indicated no more than 1,500 Newts are alive
today making this an endangered species. The research conducted was due to the possibility of
losing certain species; it was done in order to prevent the loss of an entire species. Research was
conducted so that they could properly understand the species and prepare a special habitat for the
Newt if decrease in species so happen to arise. Disease is a known threat to amphibian life
worldwide. The research needed to reveal if the tumors or other factors would be the demise of
the species. ...to characterize them and analyze their population incidence. (Martinez-Silvestre
et al., 2011) The importance of losing an entire species cannot be expressed enough; all steps
must be taken to prevent the loss of any part of the ecosystem. The loss of one creature could
have irreversible damage to the world as a whole. The research was conducted to find if disease
does/could affect the Newt, as well to find out how it would affect the Newt and possible counter
measures that can be taken.
Materials and Methods
Through the process of random sampling data was gathered. The experiment was conducted
on 3 different populations so as to insure clear data was gathered and not biased based on

location. Two of the three locations were in approximately the same habitat, with the third having
a completely different habitat. On every Newt gathered: sex, measured snout length, and
abnormalities were checked for. Overall the habitats were visited a total of 45 times with
samplings being conducted at night. Abnormalities include everything from double tails and
small tumors present, to abnormal fingers or too many fingers. Out of the samples observed one
(the most affected) Newt was taken back to conducted extensive research; which includes skin
and organ samples for histopathologic examination. All data was analyzed per conventional
methods and checked meticulously.
Results
The research showed that only 27% of the population was affected /present with skin tumors.
The tumors were determined to be benign and not pass the dermis layer. It was not confirmed by
a method conducted that the pigment was melanin. Macroscopically, skin lesions were intense,
black, solitary, and irregularly defined.(Martinez-Silvestre et al., 2011) No correlation was
shown between male or female being more susceptible. A correlation was present with snout
length and affected individuals, as well as adults being more likely to have tumors (31%
prevalence). The average number of skin tumors per affected Newts was two and a half. A
correlation was present with body size affecting the number of tumors. The data did show that
while tumors and other physical deformations were present, they did not affect the Newts
negatively.
Discussion
The research disproved the hypothesis of UVB being the cause of the skin tumors, but did
show a correlation with adults being more likely to be effected. The uncertain conclusion reached

was that due to the habitat having a severe drought the Newts migrate to a different habitat
which after the migration the juvenile Newts are more dormant then the adults are.
Environmentally no apparent factor showed a probable cause of the tumors, it should be noted
that the only possible cause would be due to partial deforestation in the habitat of the Newts. No
conclusive causation was found, but many probable causes have been discovered. Long-term
monitoring of environmental and water temperatures in the streams inhabited by this endangered
species may further elucidate the causes of this pathology. (Martinez-Silvestre et al., 2011) The
limitation of the study was the lack of specimens available to the researchers, by not fault of their
own the sample size and habitat was not big enough to draw conclusive evidence. While it is
apparent the tumors do not affect the organs or body of the Montseny brook Newt, it is still not
conclusive enough to completely rule all tumors benign. The only factor not taken into account
was the temperature of the habitat which showed it maybe end up being one of the main causes
of the pigmented skin tumors.
Works Cited and Bibliography
Martinez-Silvestre, Amat, Bargallo, Carranza (2011). Incidence of Pigmented Skin Tumors in
a population of wild Montseny Brook Newt (Calotriton Arnoldi). Journal of Wildlife Diseases,
47(2), 410-414.
This is the main article covered which I did my research paper on. I convers all the research
found on the Montseny Brook Newt and all relevant information from other research done for
similar amphibians.
Amat, Carranza (2006). Aproximacio alevolucio i biologia del trito del Montseny.
Conservacio duna raresa amagada I singular, Monografies del Montseny, 21, 165-191.

This is the main refrance used in the main article to how to geographical location of the
Montseny Brook Newt. I am unable to say what it is truly about due to it being written in a
different language.