FrogLog 103 PDF here - Amphibian Specialist Group

A female Pickersgill’s reed frog. Photo: L. du Preez.
successfully metamorphose. In the interim in-situ efforts by nature
conservation authorities have focused upon wetland conservation,
eradication of invasive exotic species of fish such as the Common
carp (which may feed upon the spawn) and public education, including
a successful public awareness program with a large focus
on protecting migrating adults as they cross roads when congregating
at their spawning grounds at the beginning of the mating season.
Again the decision was made not to proceed with plans for the
target species as it was felt that current conservation methods are
producing positive results. Future efforts may instead be focused
upon the recently rediscovered Critically Endangered Amatola toad
Vandijkophrynus amatolicus about which very little is currently
known.
In addition to this, another two species of South African amphibians
are currently being considered for ex-situ conservation methods.
Further discussion and research is however required before
this can commence.
This dedicated research space at the Johannesburg Zoo is on display to the public.
Photo: Ian Visser.
18 | FrogLog 20 (4) | Issue number 103 (July 2012)
The Painted reed frog Hyperolius marmoratus was chosen as a
congeneric species for Pickersgill’s reed frog. It soon proved itself
to be amenable to captive husbandry, with initial breeding success
being achieved directly after collection and to the F3 generation
within three breeding seasons. This was not entirely unexpected, as
anecdotal evidence suggests that this common and prolific species
is successfully extending its home range by hitchhiking in consignments
of garden plants being moved from nurseries in its current
area of distribution into other parts of the country.
Work on all three species up to this point provided us with a steep
learning curve, not only regarding the husbandry of the various
frog species as expected, but also with regards to the development
of partnerships in conjunction with the various nature conservation
bodies, and the need to take previously unconsidered factors
into consideration as the program grew. Having the Amphibian
Ark’s templates, project criteria and experience at our disposal has
been an immense help in this regard.
Following research conducted by EKZN Wildlife and NWU, the
Critically Endangered Pickersgill’s reed frog was confirmed as being
a suitable subject for ex-situ husbandry and breeding research.
As PAAZAB had already been in consultation with EKZN Wildlife
for some time concerning the possibility of starting such a program,
it was subsequently invited to initiate a project in this regard.
The project was then checked against the Amphibian Ark project
preparation guidelines and found to be justified. We have therefore
engaged in the second phase of the program for this species,
which began with the acquisition of wild specimens of the target
species for the purpose of breeding research, and will conclude with
the publication of a comprehensive husbandry manual. The third
phase of the program will consist of the establishment of the full
ex-situ assurance population, which will be maintained until the
opportunity and need to provide stock for release into newly created
or rehabilitated habitat is identified.