DOCSLIB.ORG

Comparing the Bacterial Communities of Wild and Captive Golden Mantella

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Comparing the Bacterial Communities of Wild and Captive Golden Mantella Comparing the bacterial communities of wild and captive golden mantella frogs : implications for amphibian conservation Passos, LF, Garcia, G and Young, RJ http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205652 Title Comparing the bacterial communities of wild and captive golden mantella frogs : implications for amphibian conservation Authors Passos, LF, Garcia, G and Young, RJ Type Article URL This version is available at: http://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/48640/ Published Date 2018 USIR is a digital collection of the research output of the University of Salford. Where copyright permits, full text material held in the repository is made freely available online and can be read, downloaded and copied for non-commercial private study or research purposes. Please check the manuscript for any further copyright restrictions. For more information, including our policy and submission procedure, please contact the Repository Team at: [email protected]. RESEARCH ARTICLE Comparing the bacterial communities of wild and captive golden mantella frogs: Implications for amphibian conservation 1,2 2 1 Luiza F. Passos , Gerardo Garcia , Robert J. YoungID * 1 School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford Manchester, Salford, United Kingdom, 2 Chester Zoo, Cedar House, Upton by Chester, Chester, United Kingdom * [email protected] a1111111111 Abstract a1111111111 Bacterial communities are frequently found in symbiotic associations with most animal a1111111111 a1111111111 species. The characteristically moist amphibian skin provides a good environment for the a1111111111 growth of some species of bacteria; among these a few can act as a first line defense mech- anism against infections. Amphibians in the wild have relatively high exposure to bacteria through environmental transmission and through interactions with different conspecifics, whilst in captivity animals interact with fewer individuals, as well as experiencing a less com- OPEN ACCESS plex environment through which to obtain their bacterial community. Here we compared the skin microbiota of captive and wild Mantella aurantiaca to investigate whether the captive Citation: Passos LF, Garcia G, Young RJ (2018) Comparing the bacterial communities of wild and environment was affecting individuals' skin associated bacteria. This could have survivor- captive golden mantella frogs: Implications for ship implications if captive animals had a different skin microbial community in comparison amphibian conservation. PLoS ONE 13(10): to wild counterparts and they were to be used in a reintroduction program. The microbial e0205652. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. community were characterized through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing methodology. Anal- pone.0205652 yses showed that captive individuals had significantly lower diversity of bacterial species Editor: Brenda A Wilson, University of Illinois at and lower relative abundant microbiota when compared to wild populations; this could result Urbana-Champaign, UNITED STATES in captive frogs released back to the wild probably has greater susceptibility to infections Received: October 13, 2017 due to inadequate skin microbiota. Accepted: September 28, 2018 Published: October 31, 2018 Copyright: © 2018 Passos et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and Introduction reproduction in any medium, provided the original The global amphibian crisis has resulted in increased use of captive breeding as a conservation author and source are credited. tool [1]. Maintaining captive populations is important in terms of species conservation for Data Availability Statement: All relevant data are potential reintroduction into the wild [2]. However, there is evidence that the captive environ- within the paper and its Supporting Information ment can have negative impacts on different aspects of amphibians' ecology and behaviour, files. such as affecting their vocalizations [3], anti-predator responses [4] and skin microbiota [5], Funding: LFP was in receipt of a CAPES which could potentially affect the survival of released animals. postgraduate scholarship Proc. 6060-13-7. Bacterial communities are commonly found in symbiotic associations with most animal Competing interests: The authors have declared species [6,7]. Frequently, the bacterial community provides some sort of advantage to the host that no competing interests exist. such as protection against pathogens [8], and in return, receives nutrients and a suitable PLOS ONE | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205652 October 31, 2018 1 / 12 Bacterial communities of wild and captive golden mantella frogs microhabitat in which to live and reproduce [9]. The characteristically-moist amphibian skin surface provides a fertile environment for the growth of bacteria [7], some of which may be present throughout the life of the organism, and some of which that will vary according to environment drivers and life stage [10]. These symbiotic bacterial communities contribute to the innate immunity of the host amphibian via competitive interactions between species and the production of antimicrobial metabolites, which are able to control the growth of some potential pathogens [11]. Thus, they play an important role in protecting amphibians from infectious diseases, such as chytridiomycosis caused by the pathogenic Batrachochytrium den- drobatidis [11,12]. This pathogen has been found around the world as well as in different areas in Madagascar, the natural habitat of our study species [13]. The microbiota of amphibian skin is one of the defense mechanism this group has against infections [8,9,14, 15]. Therefore, the proper functioning of this symbiotic interaction between bacteria and amphibians is vital for captive individuals, which are due to be released back into the wild [14]. To understand whether captive bred frogs are fit for reintroduction, in terms of their skin microbiota, wild and captive frogs of the same species need to be compared. Antwis et al [14] observed changes in the richness and abundance of microbiota of captive Agalychnis callidryas when compared to their wild counterparts and, a similar result was also found in six species of Japanese amphibians [9] and for the Panamanian golden frog, Atelopus zeteki [15]. Kueneman et al. [5] has demonstrated the effect of captivity on the loss of skin-associated bac- teria on frogs and increased chances of infections. The focus of this study is the golden man- tella frog, a critically endangered and endemic species from Madagascar, which will have captive bred individuals reintroduced to boost wild populations' numbers in a near future [16]. It is necessary to understand how captivity might have affect individuals to evaluate if ani- mals are suitable candidates prior to release. Amphibians in the wild have relatively high exposure to bacteria through environmental transmission and through interactions with both conspecifics and other species [17]. Amphibi- ans in captivity interact with fewer individuals, as well as living in a less complex environment in which to obtain a rich and diverse bacterial community [14]. Husbandry guidelines for keeping amphibians include removing waste, cleaning substrate and using a bleach dilution on enclosures to avoid the risk of diseases, but this could lead to a more sterile environment [18]. Consequently, captive amphibians are likely to be exposed to a lower diversity of bacteria, and thus support a much simpler skin-associated bacterial community in comparison to their wild counterparts. This could potentially make them less resistant to diseases when being reintro- duced to the wild environment [14,5]. During this research, we analysed how the unique set of conditions created by captive hus- bandry may affect golden mantella frogs' (Mantella aurantiaca) skin microbial composition [1±3]. We predicted that captive bred frogs will have a different bacteria composition with a less rich skin microbiota than their wild counterparts. Methods Ethical approval All the research reported in this study was approved by the Chester Zoo's Ethics Committee, Ambatovy, University of Salford Science and Technology Ethics Panel (ST1617-82) and, it conforms to all regulations and laws in all relevant countries in relation to care of experimen- tal animal subjects. Furthermore, we can confirm, from our post-experimental monitoring, that no animals suffered any injuries, became ill or were negatively affected as a result of this study. PLOS ONE | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205652 October 31, 2018 2 / 12 Bacterial communities of wild and captive golden mantella frogs Study subjects The model species for this study was the golden mantella frog (Mantella aurantiaca). This is a species classified as critically endangered by the IUCN [19] and is endemic to the Mora- manga district, in the Region of Alaotra-Mangoro, Madagascar. Its distribution is restricted to a fragment of forest surrounded by degraded land. A significant proportion of its popula- tion is located inside or near the area of the Ambatovy mine [20]. Gold mantella frogs are well known due to their aposematic orange-red colouration. Females are characteristically larger and heavier than males [20]. Following a conservation needs assessment, the Amphib- ian Ark prioritised M. aurantiaca as a species in need of ex situ assistance to safeguard its survival [21]. Study sites The data used for this study were obtained from captive (Chester Zoo, UK) and
Load more

Recommended publications
  • WILDLIFE CONSERVATION in the Field
    WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN THE FIELD Saving Nature Together MISSION Woodland Park Zoo saves animals and their habitats through conservation leadership and engaging experiences, inspiring people to learn, care and act. VISION Woodland Park Zoo envisions a world where people protect animals and conserve their habitats in order to create a sustainable future. As a leading conservation zoo, we empower people, in our region and around the world, to create this future, in ways big and small. CONTENTS Why Wildlife Conservation? .............4 Partners for Wildlife ............................8 Africa ................................................... 10 Central Asia ...................................... 12 Asia Pacific ......................................... 14 Living Northwest ............................... 22 Wildlife Survival Fund ...................... 36 Call to Action ..................................... 38 FIELD CONSERVatION at • We recognize that wildlife conservation ultimately WHY WILDLIFE CONSERVatION? WOODLAND PARK ZOO is about people, and long-term solutions will for example depend upon education, global health, • We carry out animal-focused projects that engage At Woodland Park Zoo, we believe that animals and habitats have intrinsic value, and that their poverty alleviation, and sustainable living practices. the public’s interest, contribute toward species existence enriches our lives. We also realize that animals and plants are essential for human Therefore, whenever advantageous, we include conservation, and leverage landscape-level
    [Show full text]
  • Species Conservation Strategy for the Golden Mantella Launched In
    workshop MFG was identified as one of the institutions for captive breeding an ‘analog’ frog species to gain more experience. Boophis tephraeomystax was selected as the species and in March 2011 5 individuals were captured in Parc Ivoloina for placement in our renovated enclosure. MFG is committed to continue working with its partners on amphibian conservation in both Betampona and Ivoloina in the future. MFG is grateful for the support of the Wildcare Institution of the Saint Louis Zoo and EAZA for their funding and support with regards to our amphibian conservation efforts. ¡ ¢ £ ¤ ¥ ¦ § ¨ © ¥ ¤ ¡ ¡ ¤ ¥ ¥ ¡ ¡ ¢ ¥ ¤ ¡ ¥ £ ¤ ¡ ¢ © ¤ ¡ ¤ ¡ ¡ ¢ ¡ ¥ ¤ Further details from: An Bollen, Program Manager of !" # $ " % & ' # ( ! " ) ' # !" !" * $ & " (' & + ) # , # % !" # - MFG, Madagascar ( [email protected] ). Species Conservation Strategy for the Golden Mantella Launched in Madagascar . / 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 . 8 9 : ; < 1 ; = > 0 ? @ 4 0 4 ; 6 5 1 4 ; 4 A : B? ; 4 he golden mantella frog is a Critically Endangered species including CITES authorities, community based organizations, that is endemic to a small area in eastern Madagascar NGOs and the extraction industry, it was extremely useful T(Randrianavelona et al. 2010). It used to be traded in to generate a consensual strategy and set of actions for a five large numbers but improvements in management procedures year period. A similar approach would certainly be useful for for CITES species in Madagascar, and the availability of captive conserving some of Madagascar’s other CR amphibian species. bred individuals, has led to a decline in exports over the last The final Species Conservation Strategy was launched by the decade. The golden mantella frog breeds in ephemeral ponds in Minister of Environments and Forests in February 2011.
    [Show full text]
  • Amazing Amphibians Celebrating a Decade of Amphibian Conservation
    QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIA AUTUMNZ 2018OO QUARIAISSUE 102 AMAZING AMPHIBIANS CELEBRATING A DECADE OF AMPHIBIAN CONSERVATION A giant challenge BUILDING A FUTURE FOR THE CHINESE GIANT SALAMANDER 1 Taking a Leap PROTECTING DARWIN’S FROG IN CHILE Give your visitors a digital experience Add a new dimension to your visitor experience with the Aratag app – for museums, parks and tourist www.aratag.com attractions of all kinds. Aratag is a fully-integrated information system featuring a CMS and universal app that visitors download to their smart devices. The app runs automatically when it detects a nearby facility using the Aratag system. With the power of Aratag’s underlying client CMS system, zoos, aquariums, museums and other tourist attractions can craft customized, site-specifi c app content for their visitors. Aratag’s CMS software makes it easy for you to create and update customized app content, including menus, text, videos, AR, and active links. Aratag gives you the power to intelligently monitor visitors, including demographics and visitor fl ows, visit durations, preferred attractions, and more. You can also send push messages through the app, giving your visitors valuable information such as feeding times, closing time notices, transport information, fi re alarms, evacuation routes, lost and found, etc. Contact Pangea Rocks for an on-site demonstration of how Aratag gives you the power to deliver enhanced visitor experiences. Contact us for more information: Address: Aratag is designed and Email: [email protected] Aratag / Pangea Rocks A/S developed by Pangea Rocks A/S Phone: +45 60 94 34 32 Navervej 13 in collaboration with Aalborg Mobile : +45 53 80 34 32 6800 Varde, Denmark University.
    [Show full text]
  • Amphibian Ark Number 42 Keeping Threatened Amphibian Species Afloat March 2018
    AArk Newsletter NewsletterNumber 42, March 2018 amphibian ark Number 42 Keeping threatened amphibian species afloat March 2018 In this issue... The first experience of reintroduction of the Critically Endangered Golden Mantella frog in ® Madagascar ...................................................... 2 Resources on the AArk web site for amphibian program managers.......................... 4 Conservation Needs Assessments in Colombia .......................................................... 5 First release trials for Variable Harlequin Frogs in Panama .............................................. 6 New children’s books by Amphibian Ark ........... 8 North America Biology, Husbandry and Conservation Training Course .......................... 9 Conservation Needs Assessments for Malaysian amphibians .................................... 11 A European early warning system for a deadly salamander pathogen ........................ 12 Recent animal husbandry documents on the AArk web site.................................................. 15 Save Amphibians, Join the #AmphibiousAF Family ............................................................. 15 A future-proofing plan for Papua New Guinea frogs ................................................... 16 Amphibian Ark donors, January 2017 - March 2018..................................................... 18 Amphibian Ark c/o Conservation Planning Specialist Group 12101 Johnny Cake Ridge Road Apple Valley MN 55124-8151 USA www.amphibianark.org Phone: +1 952 997 9800 Fax: +1 952 997 9803 World
    [Show full text]
  • Froglognews from the Herpetological Community Regional Focus Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Updates and Latests Research
    July 2011 Vol. 97 www.amphibians.orgFrogLogNews from the herpetological community Regional Focus Sub-Saharan Africa Regional updates and latests research. INSIDE News from the ASG Regional Updates Global Focus Leptopelis barbouri Recent Publications photo taken at Udzungwa Mountains, General Announcements Tanzania photographer: Michele Menegon And More..... Another “Lost Frog” Found. ASA Ansonia latidisca found The Amphibian Survival Alliance is launched in Borneo FrogLog Vol. 97 | July 2011 | 1 FrogLog CONTENTS 3 Editorial NEWS FROM THE ASG 4 The Amphibian Survival Alliance 6 Lost Frog found! 4 ASG International Seed Grant Winners 2011 8 Five Years of Habitat Protection for Amphibians REGIONAL UPDATE 10 News from Regional Groups 23 Re-Visiting the Frogs and Toads of 34 Overview of the implementation of 15 Kihansi Spray Toad Re- Zimbabwe Sahonagasy Action plan introduction Guidelines 24 Amatola Toad AWOL: Thirteen 35 Species Conservation Strategy for 15 Biogeography of West African years of futile searches the Golden Mantella amphibian assemblages 25 Atypical breeding patterns 36 Ankaratra massif 16 The green heart of Africa is a blind observed in the Okavango Delta 38 Brief note on the most threatened spot in herpetology 26 Eight years of Giant Bullfrog Amphibian species from Madagascar 17 Amphibians as indicators for research revealed 39 Fohisokina project: the restoration of degraded tropical 28 Struggling against domestic Implementation of Mantella cowani forests exotics at the southern end of Africa action plan 18 Life-bearing toads
    [Show full text]
  • Are Zoo Bred Amphibians Ready to Go Back to the Wild?
    Fitness for the Ark: Are zoo bred amphibians ready to go back to the wild? Luiza Figueiredo Passos This thesis is presented to the School of Environment & Life Sciences, University of Salford, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Ph.D. Supervised by Professor Robert John Young September 2017 2 Table of Contents Chapter 1 – General Introduction ........................................................................................ 13 1.1 Do the vocalisations of captive frogs differ from wild ones? ............................... 20 1.2 Does antipredator behaviour of captive frogs differ from wild ones? ............... 23 1.3 How does the colour of captive frogs compare with wild ones? .......................... 24 1.4 Does the skin microbiota of captive frogs differ from wild ones? ...................... 25 1.5 Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 27 1.8 Study Species ........................................................................................................... 28 1.9 Study sites ................................................................................................................ 30 1.10 Ethical Approval ..................................................................................................... 36 Chapter 2 –Neglecting the call of the wild: Captive frogs like the sound of their own voice ........................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Tonic Immobility Test: Do Wild and Captive Golden Mantella Frogs (Mantella Aurantiaca) Have the Same Response?
    LJMU Research Online Figueiredo Passos, L, Garcia, G and Young, RJ The tonic immobility test: Do wild and captive golden mantella frogs (Mantella aurantiaca) have the same response? http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/10495/ Article Citation (please note it is advisable to refer to the publisher’s version if you intend to cite from this work) Figueiredo Passos, L, Garcia, G and Young, RJ (2017) The tonic immobility test: Do wild and captive golden mantella frogs (Mantella aurantiaca) have the same response? PLoS One, 12 (7). ISSN 1932-6203 LJMU has developed LJMU Research Online for users to access the research output of the University more effectively. Copyright © and Moral Rights for the papers on this site are retained by the individual authors and/or other copyright owners. Users may download and/or print one copy of any article(s) in LJMU Research Online to facilitate their private study or for non-commercial research. You may not engage in further distribution of the material or use it for any profit-making activities or any commercial gain. The version presented here may differ from the published version or from the version of the record. Please see the repository URL above for details on accessing the published version and note that access may require a subscription. For more information please contact [email protected] http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/ RESEARCH ARTICLE The tonic immobility test: Do wild and captive golden mantella frogs (Mantella aurantiaca) have the same response? Luiza Figueiredo Passos1,2, Gerardo Garcia2, Robert John Young1* 1 School of Environment and Life Sciences, Peel Building, University of Salford Manchester, Salford, United Kingdom, 2 Chester Zoo, Cedar House, Upton by Chester, Chester, United Kingdom * [email protected] a1111111111 a1111111111 a1111111111 Abstract a1111111111 a1111111111 Adaptations to captivity that reduce fitness are one of many reasons, which explain the low success rate of reintroductions.
    [Show full text]
  • Animal Information Natural Treasures Amphibians & Invertebrates
    1 Animal Information Natural Treasures Amphibians & Invertebrates Table of Contents Frogs Green and Black Poison Dart Frog…………………………………………………..2 Sambavo Tomato Frog…………………………………………………………………...4 Smoky Jungle Frog………………………………………………………….………………5 Blue-legged Mantella………………………………………………….………………….6 Green Mantella……………………………………………………………………………...7 Golden Mantella……………………………….……………………………………………8 Magnificent Tree Frog……………………………………………………………………10 Grey Tree Frog………………………………….……………………………………………11 Salamanders Marbled Salamander……………………………………………………………………..12 Eastern Tiger Salamander………………………………………………………………14 Invertebrates Green and Black Poison Frog 2 Dendrobates auratus John Ball Zoo Habitat – Located in the Natural Treasures building and the Frogs building. Individual Animals: 14 Life Expectancy Wild: Unknown Under Managed Care: 8 years Statistics Length – 1.5 inches Diet Small invertebrates, mainly ants that have high quantities of alkaloids in their tissues. The frogs can sequester those alkaloids in their skin, which is what makes them poisonous. Predators Toxic skin prevents predation. Habitat Floor of rain forests, near small streams or pools. Region Central and South America, from Nicaragua and Costa Rica to southeastern Brazil and Bolivia. o They were introduced in Hawaii by humans, and have flourished there. Reproduction Males fight among themselves to establish territories, which are then fixed for the remainder of the mating season. The male attracts a female with vocalizations consisting of trilling sounds. The female lays up to six eggs in a small pool of water. o The eggs are encased in a gelatinous substance for protection. During the two week development period, the male returns to the eggs periodically to check on them. Once the tadpoles hatch, they climb onto the males back and he carries them to a place suitable for further development, such as a lake or a stream.
    [Show full text]
  • The Golden Mantella Frog) 2017-2021
    Species Conservation Strategy for Mantella aurantiaca (The golden mantella frog) 2017-2021 Partners: This document is the update of the Species Conservation Strategy of Mantella aurantiaca (2011-2015) and elaborate by : Rakotondrasoa E.F., Andriantsimanarilafy R. R., Andriafidison D., Razafimanahaka H.J., Razafindraibe P., Rabesihanaka S., Robsomanitrandrasana E., Randrianizahana H., Rakotondratsimba G., Ranjanaharisoa F., Rabemanajara F., Randrianantoandro C.J., Ndriamiary J. N., Rakotoarisoa J. Cl., Randrianarisoa A. L. 2017. Species Conservation strategy of Mantella aurantiaca (grenouille dorée) 2017-2021. - Rakotondrasoa Eddie Fanantenana, Andriantsimanarilafy Raphali Rodlis, Andriafidison Daudet, Razafindraibe Pierre, Razafimanahaka Hanta Julie. Madagasikara Voakajy, B.P. 5181, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar. [email protected] - Robsomanitrandrasana Eric, Rabesihanaka Sahondra. Direction Générale des Forêts/Direction de la Valorisation des Ressources Forestières, Organe de Gestion CITES Madagascar. BP 243 Nanisana [email protected]; [email protected] - Randrianizahana Hiarinirina. Direction Générale des Forêts / Direction du Système des Aires Protégées. [email protected] ; [email protected] - Rakotondratsimba Gilbert, Ranjanaharisoa Fiadanantsoa. Département Environnement Mine Moramanga Ambatovy Minerals S.A.(AMSA) [email protected] ; [email protected] - Rabemanajara Falitiana, IUCN/SSC/ASG Madagascar [email protected] - Randrianantoandro Christian Joseph Mention Zoologie
    [Show full text]
  • AMPHIBIAN and REPTILE TRADE in TEXAS: CURRENT STATUS and TRENDS a Thesis by HEATHER LEE PRESTRIDGE Submitted to the Office of Gr
    AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE TRADE IN TEXAS: CURRENT STATUS AND TRENDS A Thesis by HEATHER LEE PRESTRIDGE Submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies of Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE August 2009 Major Subject: Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE TRADE IN TEXAS: CURRENT STATUS AND TRENDS A Thesis by HEATHER LEE PRESTRIDGE Submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies of Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Approved by: Chair of Committee, Lee A. Fitzgerald Committee Members, James R. Dixon Toby J. Hibbitts Ulrike Gretzel Head of Department, Thomas E. Lacher August 2009 Major Subject: Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences iii ABSTRACT Amphibian and Reptile Trade in Texas: Current Status and Trends. (August 2009) Heather Lee Prestridge, B.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Lee A. Fitzgerald The non-game wildlife trade poses a risk to our natural landscape, natural heritage, economy, and security. Specifically, the trade in non-game reptiles and amphibians exploits native populations, and is likely not sustainable for many species. Exotic amphibian and reptile species pose risk of invasion and directly or indirectly alter the native landscape. The extent of non-game amphibian and reptile trade is not fully understood and is poorly documented. To quantitatively describe the trade in Texas, I solicited data from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Law Enforcement Management Information System (LEMIS) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) non-game dealer permits.
    [Show full text]
  • In This Case Those Affiliated to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, BIAZA) to Conservation of the Natural World
    1 This report is the third in a series of reports highlighting the contribution of good zoos (in this case those affiliated to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, BIAZA) to conservation of the natural world. This time, the focus is on “herpetofauna”, literally translated as “creeping animals”, but more commonly known as reptiles and amphibians. These animals comprise several species for which the “Ark Concept” of zoos is more applicable than any other group, as there are numerous examples of species that cannot be saved from extinction by field conservation alone. In his seminal paper on the return of the Ark Concept, written for the journal Conservation Biology, Dr. Andy Bowkett emphasised that “…most authors agree that captive breeding for reintroduction can be a useful and necessary conservation method given the appropriate circumstances… “assurance colonies” … are an integral part of a global action plan…”. However, zoos are not just arks for preserving species and their genetic diversity. They also provide a unique long-term funding source for developing conservation programmes, training, and employing experts in every aspect of conservation. Therefore, in order to qualify for a position in the top ten reptile and amphibian list, a species had to be either associated with an ongoing field initiative by a BIAZA member zoo, or have potential for making an imminent and significant contribution to conservation in the wild. In order to make this list, species also had to be classified as seriously threatened on a global or national scale. Sub-species nominations were considered in exceptional cases, but full species were given priority.
    [Show full text]
  • The Tonic Immobility Test: Do Wild and Captive Golden Mantella Frogs (Mantella Aurantiaca) Have the Same Response?
    RESEARCH ARTICLE The tonic immobility test: Do wild and captive golden mantella frogs (Mantella aurantiaca) have the same response? Luiza Figueiredo Passos1,2, Gerardo Garcia2, Robert John Young1* 1 School of Environment and Life Sciences, Peel Building, University of Salford Manchester, Salford, United Kingdom, 2 Chester Zoo, Cedar House, Upton by Chester, Chester, United Kingdom * [email protected] a1111111111 a1111111111 a1111111111 Abstract a1111111111 a1111111111 Adaptations to captivity that reduce fitness are one of many reasons, which explain the low success rate of reintroductions. One way of testing this hypothesis is to compare an impor- tant behavioural response in captive and wild members of the same species. Thanatosis, is an anti-predator strategy that reduces the risk of death from predation, which is a common OPEN ACCESS behavioral response in frogs. The study subjects for this investigation were captive and wild Citation: Passos LF, Garcia G, Young RJ (2017) populations of Mantella aurantiaca. Thanatosis reaction was measured using the Tonic The tonic immobility test: Do wild and captive Immobility (TI) test, a method that consists of placing a frog on its back, restraining it in this golden mantella frogs (Mantella aurantiaca) have position for a short period of time and then releasing it and measuring how much time was the same response? PLoS ONE 12(7): e0181972. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181972 spent feigning death. To understand the pattern of reaction time, morphometric data were also collected as body condition can affect the duration of thanatosis. The significantly differ- Editor: Carlos A. Navas, University of Sao Paulo, BRAZIL ent TI times found in this study, one captive population with shorter responses, were princi- pally an effect of body condition rather than being a result of rearing environment.
    [Show full text]