Current Progress in Developing Standardized Methods for Reptilian Toxicity Testing to Inform Ecological Risk Assessment

Abstract

Reptiles remain the least studied vertebrate taxon in ecotoxicology and a lack of standardized methods and government regulations has hindered progress. Here we provide an overview of the history of reptile ecotoxicology with particular emphasis on toxicity testing methods. Oral dosing has received the most attention, but there have been important reports of significant dermal exposures and toxicity in reptiles as well. We report on recent efforts to adapt oral dosing with gelatin capsules in a small gecko. We also summarize recent efforts to expand on previous methods for oral dosing as well as husbandry of Anolis lizards for use in ecotoxicological experiments. Previously published methods combined with our current efforts provide a framework for repeatable, environmentally relevant, and consistent dosing of reptiles. Future efforts should focus on trying to create a standardized testing protocol that can be put through validation methods to be acceptable for government regulations. This would greatly increase the opportunity for performing reptile toxicity testing in the future. Finally, the toxicity testing literature has focused heavily on lizards and more research is needed to establish standardized methods for snakes and turtles.