CONSERVATION BREEDING PROGRAMS

 Issue 8, Volume 5. Number 3 (2011- 2012) 

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Table of Contents 

Zoo based amphibian research and Conservation Breeding Programs (CBPs). Robert K Browne, Katja Wolfram, Gerardo Garcia, Mikhail F Bagaturov, Zjef JJM Pereboom. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 5(3):1-14(e28).  Low resolution PDF 893K High res. PDF 3479K
	xxxx	Summary: We explore “Zoo-based amphibian research and conservation breeding programs” through a literature review and a survey of research publication with public and subscription search engines. Amphibians are ideal candidates for zoo-based amphibian research and CBPs because of their generally small size, high fecundity, ease of husbandry, and amenability to the use of reproduction technologies. Zoo-based amphibian research and CBPs can include both in situ and ex situ components that offer excellent opportunities for publicity and education".

Husbandry, captive breeding, larval development and stages of the Malayan horned frog Megophrys nasuta (Schlegel, 1858) (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae). Marlen Wildenhues, Anna Rauhaus, Rike Bach, Detlef Karbe, Karin Van Der Straeten, Stefen T. Hertwig, Thomas Ziegler. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 5(3):15-28(e43). Low resolution PDF 1700K High res. PDF 3479K
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Summary: We report the successful keeping and breeding of Megophrys nasuta at the Cologne Zoo’s Amphibian Breeding Unit. We also document the development and morphology of different larval stages of M. nasuta. Ovipositions were not seasonal and took place after a drier phase in the terrarium followed by simulation of rain. The larvae hatched about one week after egg deposition. Total time to metamorphosis was 2.5-3.5 months. Larvae developed faster at higher temperatures and lower densities.

Is there a chance for conservation breeding? Ex situ management, reproduction, and early life stages of the Harlequin toad Atelopus flavescens Duméril & Bibron, 1841 (Amphibia: Anura: Bufonidae). Anna Gawor, Anna Rauhaus, Detlef Karbe, Karin Van Der Straeten, Stefan Lötters, and Thomas Ziegler. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 5(3):29-44(e50). Low resolution PDF 1021K High res. PDF 1509K

Summary: Captive management and reproduction of the Harlequin toad from Suriname (Atelopus flavescens) at Cologne Zoo. Egg deposition was stimulated by maintaining A. flavescens in a drier environment followed by a wet period. We provide for the first time an overview of the larval development from oviposition to metamorphosis, including diagnostic morphological characters. Larvae hatched about five days after egg deposition. Tadpoles are gastromyzophorous and were observed rasping algae. The average time for larval development to stage 41 was 100-130 days, with faster development at higher temperatures. We were able to recognize individuals due to a constant color pattern.

The conservation breeding of two foot-flagging frog species from Borneo, Staurois parvus and Staurois guttatus. Doris Preininger, Anton Weissenbacher, Thomas Wampula, and Walter Hödl. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 5(3):45-56(e51). Low resolution PDF 1283K High res. PDF 4611K
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Summary: The Bornean frogs of the genus Staurois live exclusively along fast-flowing, clear water rainforest streams, and are famous for displaying a variety of visual signals, including foot flagging. Their extraordinary behavior, and the continued loss of their natural habitat due to deforestation and subsequent pollution, make them a group of target species for captive breeding, as well as behavioral research. The Vienna Zoo has pioneered in the development of a research and conservation project for S. parvus and S. guttatus. We implemented two breeding and research arenas, offering an artificial waterfall and different options for egg deposition in a bio-secure container facility. Two months after introducing the frogs, we observed amplectant pairs and the first tadpoles. Vienna Zoo is the first zoo worldwide that has succeeded in breeding foot-flagging frog species and meanwhile has recorded over 900 tadpoles and at least 470 juveniles. One of the most striking observations has been the use of foot-flagging signals in recently metamorphosed S. parvus. This corroborates our assumption that “foot flagging” is employed as intraspecific spacing mechanism. The breeding success of two Staurois species at the Vienna Zoo can help in species conservation as it increases our knowledge on conditions necessary to breed tropical stream-dwelling anuran species found to be particularly threatened in nature. Furthermore,the captive colony provides research conditions to better understand the role of “foot flagging” as a visual signal component in anuran communication.

Building capacity to implement conservation breeding programs for frogs in Madagascar: Results from year one of Mitsinjo’s amphibian husbandry research and captive breeding facility. Edmonds D, Rakotoarisoa JC, Dolch R, Pramuk J, Gagliardo R, Andreone F, Rabibisoa N, Rabemananjara F, Rabesihanaka S, Robsomanitrandrasana E. 2012. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 5(3):57-69(e55). Low resolution PDF 1082K High res. PDF 1726K
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Summary: Madagascar is ranked 12th in amphibian species richness by the International Union on the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is considered to be one of the highest priority countries for amphibian conservation. In response to the tremendous threats facing Madagascar’s amphibians, a national strategy for amphibian conservation was developed, emphasizing the need for ex situ conservation action. This project was officially launched through a collaborative effort between a community-run organization, the IUCN, and the Malagasy government. We discuss the process for developing and implementing this project which has included facility construction, terrarium building, culturing local feeder insects, and the training of Malagasy technicians. This is the first captive breeding and amphibian conservation project in Madagascar may become a center for training and education in an area of Madagascar that contains tremendous amphibian diversity and endemism.