Nutrition and health in amphibian husbandry
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2014 |
Authors: |
Gina M. Ferrie, Vance C. Alford, Jim Atkinson, Eric Baitchman, Diane Barber, William S. Blaner, Graham Crawshaw, Andy Daneault, Ellen Dierenfeld, Mark Finke, Greg Fleming, Ron Gagliardo, Eric A. Hoffman, William Karasov, Kirk Klasing, Elizabeth Koutsos, Julia Lankton, Shana R. Lavin, Andrew Lentini, Shannon Livingston, Brad Lock, Tom Mason, Alejandra McComb, Cheryl Morris, Allan P. Pessier, Francisco Olea-Popelka, Tom Probst, Carlos Rodriguez, Kristine Schad, Kent Semmen, Jamie Sincage, M. Andrew Stamper, Jason Steinmetz, Kathleen Sullivan, Scott Terrell, Nina Wertan, Catharine J. Wheaton, Brad Wilson, Eduardo V. Valdes |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Keywords: |
aquarium, disease, ex situ, husbandry, life stage, nutrition, pathology, population, research, vitamin, water, zoo |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Amphibian biology is intricate, and there are many inter-related factors that need to be understood before establishing successful Conservation Breeding Programs (CBPs). Nutritional needs of amphibians are highly integrated with disease and their husbandry needs, and the diversity of developmental stages, natural habitats, and feeding strategies result in many different recommendations for proper care and feeding. This review identifies several areas where there is substantial room for improvement in maintaining healthy ex situ amphibian populations specifically in the areas of obtaining and utilizing natural history data for both amphibians and their dietary items, achieving more appropriate environmental parameters, understanding stress and hormone production, and promoting better physical and population health. Using a scientific or research framework to answer questions about disease, nutrition, husbandry, genetics, and endocrinology of ex situ amphibians will improve specialists’ understanding of the needs of these species. In general, there is a lack of baseline data and comparative information for most basic aspects of amphibian biology as well as standardized laboratory approaches. Instituting a formalized research approach in multiple scientific disciplines will be beneficial not only to the management of current ex situ populations, but also in moving forward with future conservation and reintroduction projects. This overview of gaps in knowledge concerning ex situ amphibian care should serve as a foundation for much needed future research in these areas. Zoo Biol. 33:485–501, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.