Nagl Alexander M, Hofer Rudolf
Institute of Zoology and Limnology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria e-mail:
Oecologia. 1997 May;110(4):514-519. doi: 10.1007/s004420050188.
Although Alpine newts (Triturus alpestris) are found at altitudes up to 2500 m, their larvae proved to be extremely sensitive to UV radiation when exposed in clear tapwater to natural sunlight or to comparable artificial UV-B radiation in the laboratory. The experiments revealed severe skin damages (lysis of epithelial cells) and mortality after a few days of exposure. In their natural habitats above the timberline, however, the larvae are protected by the high concentration of dissolved organic carbon in the water leading to an almost complete absorption of UV radiation within the first few centimeters of the water layer. Furthermore, when exposed to UV radiation larvae show erratic swimming activities that may carry them into protected areas. Only in very shallow natural habitats did we detect sublethal UV-like histological effects. Shallow high mountain ponds with clear water normally lack newt populations, probably as a consequence of both low temperature and the effects of UV radiation.
尽管高山蝾螈（Triturus alpestris）能在海拔高达2500米的地方被发现，但在实验室中，当它们的幼体暴露于清澈自来水中的自然阳光或类似的人工紫外线B辐射下时，却被证明对紫外线辐射极其敏感。实验显示，暴露几天后会出现严重的皮肤损伤（上皮细胞溶解）和死亡。然而，在树线以上的自然栖息地中，幼体受到水中高浓度溶解有机碳的保护，这导致在水层的最初几厘米内紫外线辐射几乎被完全吸收。此外，当暴露于紫外线辐射时，幼体表现出不稳定的游泳活动，这可能会将它们带到保护区。只有在非常浅的自然栖息地中，我们才检测到类似紫外线的亚致死组织学效应。清水的浅高山池塘通常没有蝾螈种群，这可能是低温和紫外线辐射共同作用的结果。
