A veces, los programas de conservación no funcionan tan bien como nos gustaría, y problemas de diversa importancia a veces pueden retrasar nuestro progreso o incluso provocar la pérdida de animales. A pesar de lo decepcionantes que son estos eventos, es importante tratar de identificar qué causó los problemas en primer lugar, para que podamos tratar de evitar que vuelvan a ocurrir. Compartir estos problemas y las soluciones identificadas brinda una oportunidad importante para que otros aprendan de nuestros errores y eviten duplicarlos. Esta página incluye una variedad de problemas que ocurrieron en el pasado y las soluciones que se usaron para resolverlos.
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Are mixed diets beneficial for the welfare of captive axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum)
In this study, we investigate the impact of mixed versus invariant diets on growth and behavior in the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), an aquatic amphibian of severe conservation concern that is frequently maintained in captive collections. We then use our results to provide advice on feeding management in the context of improved welfare. (See Are mixed diets beneficial for the welfare of captive axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum)? Effects of feeding regimes on growth and behavior J. Vet. Behav. 10:185–190. 2015)
Development of a preliminary nutritional program for the maintenance of the Palm Rocket Frog and Dendropsophus padreluna
For the success of ex situ amphibian conservation programs programs, research in the area of nutritional requirements is necessary as this information is often scarce. We decided to compare three types of food for two species of high Andean amphibians; Dendropsophus padreluna and the Palm Rocket Frog (Rheobates palmatus) under controlled conditions, for conservation purposes. (See AArk Newsletter 41, December 2017, pages 3-4).
Observation on the impact of nutrition and feed presentation on leg development in the Pickersgill’s Reed Frog
One of the aspects for successful breeding and release of frogs is an in-depth understanding of the nutritional and dietary requirements of the species. This includes the correct balance and amount of nutrients (Ferrie et al., 2014). Also critical is the correct presentation of food items to encourage consumption (Livingston et al., 2014) (e.g. live vs dead food items), and the presentation of a wide variety of foods so the animals are best equipped to take advantage of prey in a natural environment. (See AArk Newsletter 47, June 2019, pages 13-14).
The effects of two calcium supplementation regimens on growth and health traits of juvenile mountain chicken frogs
Calcium metabolism and homeostasis are areas of particular importance in captive husbandry research and have been previously identified as a challenge in maintaining ex situ populations of amphibians, including the mountain chicken frog (Leptodactylus fallax). (See AArk Newsletter 53, March 2021, page 3).
Machine learning to improve management of threatened captive and wild frogs
Frogs are small and cryptic, making them difficult to study in the field and in captivity without frequent intrusive and time-consuming intervention. This project proposes to develop new automated methods for identifying species and individuals, then apply those methods to answer questions that are difficult to solve in other ways. We aim to understand movement and survival of critically endangered species in captivity, to more effectively manage and understand group breeding systems (polyandry/polygamy) as well as allow targeted genetic management for conservation breeding programs. (See AArk Newsletter 44, September 2018, page 16).
New guidelines aim to improve success of amphibian captive breeding programs
Setting up an amphibian captive breeding program, or any other type of conservation program, is extremely complex. Sometimes, it can be hard to find the support or advice needed to proceed with program plans. While there are many successful examples out there, other programs come to a standstill, or lose sight of their objectives over time. The General Guidelines for Managers and Supporters of Amphibian Captive Breeding Programmes, is designed for this purpose! The extensive guidelines, published by the Amphibian Ark and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, provide general information on all aspects of ex situ program management. Each section is complemented with links to other relevant resources and materials. (See General Guidelines for Managers and Supporters of Amphibian Captive Breeding Programmes).
Studying the barriers to amphibian captive breeding programs in Latin America, Africa and Asia
Urgent captive breeding programs are essential for the survival of 9% of the 2,300 species assessed by the Conservation Needs Assessments to date (Baker et al. 2017). But what are the main barriers to these programs in achieving their long-term conservation goals, and what can the Amphibian Ark and other partners do to help them get there? I set out to answer this question for my Master’s thesis, with my partners; the Amphibian Ark and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey. As part of this research, I interviewed twenty-five managers of captive amphibian breeding programs in the relevant regions. (See AArk Newsletter 41, December 2017, pages 16-17).
Spindly leg syndrome is reduced by increasing calcium hardness of water used to rear tadpoles
Rearing frogs in captivity has its own unique challenges, and one problem that has been a persistent issue in the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project is spindly leg syndrome (SLS). This common musculoskeletal disease is mostly associated with captive amphibian breeding. Based on the results of this study we were able to determine that SLS in harlequin frogs, is linked to an imbalance in calcium and phosphate homeostasis. (See Spindly leg syndrome in Atelopus varius is linked to environmental calcium and phosphate availability).
Improving breed-and-release programmes in the face of a threatening pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
In the case of amphibian reintroductions, a key threatening process that is difficult to eliminate is the deadly fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). This pathogen is the proximate cause of decline for the threatened green and golden bell frog, Litoria aurea, and has contributed to the failure of previous breed-and-release programmes of this amphibian. This article discusses how it may be possible to manipulate these factors to improve the success of future breed-and-release programmes, and recommends the construction of warm water bodies and a strategy of prioritizing the release of fewer, large propagules of high body condition and mixed-age class, over large numbers of younger, smaller animals. (See Improving breed-and-release programmes in the face of a threatening pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis).
New processes for ex situ breeding of Atelopus species
Atelopus bomolochos, Atelopus exiguus and Atelopus nanay inhabit moorland areas where habitat conditions are extreme such as environmental and water temperatures that oscillate around 12°C and 10°C respectively, so theex situ reproduction of these species has been a real challenge for the Amphibian Conservation Center Amaru team. However, some equipment was installed, which favors their reproduction, including specific UV lamps and heat emitters for amphibians and a chiller that lowers the temperature of the water, simulating the conditions in which they are found in the paramos of Azuay. (See AArk Newsletter 58, June 2022, page 13).
