We’re very pleased to be able to share some results from our amphibian captive breeding program with you this month. The full article can be found here.
A juvenile Mantidactylus betsileanus frog from the study.
Published in the journal Alytes, our members worked together to investigate what is the best diet for the tadpoles of the Madagascar Betsileo Frog Mantidactylus betsileanus. We found a locally available shrimp and powdered spirulina aglae to work better for rearing the tadpoles than mustard greens.
A tadpole in the study just about ready to complete metamorphosis.
Although the frog is not highly threatened, the information gained will help us develop future ex situ conservation programmes for species at risk that we have yet to learn how to keep in captivity. Perhaps just as importantly, the study helped our team of five amphibian technicians develop scientific expertise, and being able to answer biological questions using the scientific method allows us to make informed management decisions, not just about frogs but about the environment as a whole.
Terrariums at the breeding facility that house the frogs.
Association Mitsinjo 