This section refers to techniques that enable improved captive husbandry or reproduction of amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders, caecelians).

Key words: Green and Golden Bell Frog, Litoria aurea, Wyoming toad, Bufo baxteri, Frog food, Enrichment, Gut loading, Crickets, Mealworms, metamorphs, hormones, breeding, reproduction.

High density tadpole rearing of Green and Golden Bell Frog tadpoles

Litoria aurea

Browne R.K, Pomering M., Hamer A.J. 2002 High density effects on the growth, development and survival of Litoria aurea tadpoles, Aquaculture. 215 (1- 4): 109-121.

High density tadpole rearing not only reduces cost and increases efficiency but also provides large metamorphs in a shorter time with a shorter metamorphosis period.

Tadpoles were reared at high densities, with a high protein diet to satiation, and frequent water changes. High density rearing resulted in the very rapid growth of tadpoles to quality metamorphs. This protocol could be applied to the raising of tadpoles for conservation programs, as pets, or for consumption.

Producing Wyoming toads by multiple induction of females and males with subsequent in-vitro fertilisation.

Experiments have been conducted to increase the efficiency and adaptability of captive breeding protocols for the endangered Wyoming toad (Bufo baxteri). In-vitro (artificial) fertilization needs the eggs and sperm to be sampled without the toads mating. We used hormones to sample both sperm and eggs. We then mixed the sperm from different males with the eggs of each male and produced lots of genetic variation.

"After the capture of the last surviving Wyoming toads in 1998 for captive breeding programs tadpoles have been released yearly at their last known site at Mortenson Lake near Laramie, Wyoming. In 2004 a substantial number of toads were found to have bred at Mortenson Lake." "Most of the 1900 tadpoles from Memphis were shipped to Wyoming to be released at their new home at a new site, Lindzey's Lake, along with 8000 others. It will be very interesting to see if they establish and if they come down to breed in the spring of 2005." - Michelle Geraud

Enrichment mixture

for crickets, mealworms and other live feed.

This high quality enrichment mixture for crickets and mealworms appears to promote the health and growth, and promotes good coloration in both amphibians and reptiles. In captivity the two most convenient insect feeds are crickets and mealworms. With enrichment with this mixture for half an hour before feeding these insects have increased nutritional value before feeding to frogs or reptiles.