Captive-rearing Efforts Promote Survival of Amphibians Released into Wild
Amphibians bred in captivity are often reared in ideal rearing conditions to maximize growth and survival in captivity, but once the amphibians are released into the wild, they may lack the ability to respond to natural stressors. Scientists from the University of Georgia compared stress levels of two captive-reared amphibians—southern leopard frogs and marbled salamanders—to that of their wild counterparts and then investigated rearing conditions that affect stress. Results from the study supports the use of captive rearing and release practices for amphibian conservation. Captive rearing produces physiologically normal frogs, and reared animals should be capable of dealing with the everyday stressors they would normally encounter in the wild. This fellowship training grant also provided hands-on training in captive-rearing and conservation practices for a doctoral student who is now applying his training to the conservation of endangered gopher frogs. (D08ZO-409)
Posted by MAFon March 31, 2011.
Categories: Animal health, Wildlife health
Permalink
