A New Game of Leapfrog: Giving Amphibian Populations a Boost
By Heather Grimshaw
Frogs—and other amphibians, such as toads and salamanders—are declining in numbers, and in some areas of the world they are becoming extinct. Although many speculate on the reasons for the decline in these critical animals, a Morris Animal Foundation-funded researcher has devised a solution for at-risk species in captivity: in vitro fertilization (IVF).
With ongoing Foundation support, Dr. Andrew Kouba has spent countless hours developing and perfecting artificial insemination techniques for endangered amphibians. The big payoff came with the recent release of 30,000 tadpoles—5,000 conceived through IVF—which represents a major step toward survival for species in rapid decline. It is the second time endangered amphibians produced through IVF were released into the wild. And the techniques Dr. Kouba developed could help save countless amphibian species around the world.
Sadly, many amphibian species, including the Colorado boreal toads, Mississippi gopher frogs and Wyoming toads Dr. Kouba studies, are dwindling at an alarming rate because of disease and loss of habitat. All three species are endangered.
Although some people may wonder how an amphibian decline could affect humans and the planet, Dr. Kouba easily completes the one-health circle: The algae tadpoles eat would pollute water if it were not consumed, the insects amphibians eat would increase exponentially and amphibians are important prey for snakes, lizards, birds and small mammals. If amphibians were to disappear, Dr. Kouba says, “There would be a domino effect all the way up and down the food chain.”
Beyond their ecological importance, amphibians hold a special place in Dr. Kouba’s heart-he’s been fascinated with them ever since childhood. A scientist who studies many types of wildlife at the Memphis Zoo, Dr. Kouba still has a keen appreciation for amphibians, which often provide children with their first connection to nature.
“Everyone should have frogs at home!” Dr. Kouba says.
Yet the reality is that most people do not have frogs at home—nor do they realize their ecological importance—and there is an alarming loss of diversity within the species. The overall outlook for amphibians is somewhat bleak. Not only are they reproducing less frequently, but scientists are also seeing more abnormalities in existing populations, which is why research funded by the Foundation is so important.
The goal of Dr. Kouba’s IVF project was to maintain genetic diversity within captive assurance colonies, to increase amphibian numbers for reintroduction and to establish a protocol that could be shared with zoos across the country. The work established novel hormone methods for the induction of ovulation and sperm collection and culminated in egg collections from females that were fertilized by sometimes up to 10 different males.
The successful protocol will help zoos, aquariums and state and federal agencies better manage their captive amphibian populations and release greater numbers of animals back to the wild, which is especially rewarding to Dr. Kouba.
“We’re starting off on a good foot,” he explains. “We have research in place and the background needed, thanks to Morris Animal Foundation grants, to produce thousands of endangered animals with this technology!”
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