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Nutrition and health in amphibian husbandry
Author(s) -
Ferrie Gina M.,
Alford Vance C.,
Atkinson Jim,
Baitchman Eric,
Barber Diane,
Blaner William S.,
Crawshaw Graham,
Daneault Andy,
Dierenfeld Ellen,
Finke Mark,
Fleming Greg,
Gagliardo Ron,
Hoffman Eric A.,
Karasov William,
Klasing Kirk,
Koutsos Elizabeth,
Lankton Julia,
Lavin Shana R.,
Lentini Andrew,
Livingston Shan,
Lock Brad,
Mason Tom,
McComb Alejandra,
Morris Cheryl,
Pessier Allan P.,
OleaPopelka Francisco,
Probst Tom,
Rodriguez Carlos,
Schad Kristine,
Semmen Kent,
Sincage Jamie,
Stamper M. Andrew,
Steinmetz Jason,
Sullivan Kathleen,
Terrell Scott,
Wertan Nina,
Wheaton Catharine J.,
Wilson Brad,
Valdes Eduardo V.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.21180
Subject(s) - biology , animal husbandry , amphibian , ex situ conservation , population , ecology , habitat , environmental planning , environmental resource management , environmental health , endangered species , agriculture , geography , medicine , environmental science
Amphibian biology is intricate, and there are many inter‐related factors that need to be understood before establishing successful Conservation Breeding Programs (CBPs). Nutritional needs of amphibians are highly integrated with disease and their husbandry needs, and the diversity of developmental stages, natural habitats, and feeding strategies result in many different recommendations for proper care and feeding. This review identifies several areas where there is substantial room for improvement in maintaining healthy ex situ amphibian populations specifically in the areas of obtaining and utilizing natural history data for both amphibians and their dietary items, achieving more appropriate environmental parameters, understanding stress and hormone production, and promoting better physical and population health. Using a scientific or research framework to answer questions about disease, nutrition, husbandry, genetics, and endocrinology of ex situ amphibians will improve specialists' understanding of the needs of these species. In general, there is a lack of baseline data and comparative information for most basic aspects of amphibian biology as well as standardized laboratory approaches. Instituting a formalized research approach in multiple scientific disciplines will be beneficial not only to the management of current ex situ populations, but also in moving forward with future conservation and reintroduction projects. This overview of gaps in knowledge concerning ex situ amphibian care should serve as a foundation for much needed future research in these areas. Zoo Biol. 33:485–501, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.