Zoo-based amphibian research and Conservation Breeding Programs.

摘要

The rapid loss of amphibian species has encouraged zoos to support amphibian researchin concert with conservation breeding programs (CBPs). We explore “Zoo-based amphibianresearch and conservation breeding programs” through conducting a literature review and asurvey of research publication with public and subscription search engines. Amphibians are idealcandidates for zoo-based amphibian research and CBPs because of their generally small size, highfecundity, ease of husbandry, and amenability to the use of reproduction technologies. Zoo-basedamphibian research and CBPs can include both in situ and ex situ components that offer excellentopportunities for display and education, in range capacity building and community development,and the support of biodiversity conservation in general. Zoo-based amphibian research and CBPscan also benefit zoos through developing networks and collaborations with other research institutions,and with government, business, and private sectors. Internet searches showed that zoobased research of nutrition, husbandry, reproduction, gene banking, and visitor impact offer specialopportunities to contribute to amphibian conservation. Many zoos have already implementedamphibian research and CBPs that address key issues in both ex situ and in situ conservation;however, to reach its greatest potential these programs must be managed by scientific professionalswithin a supportive administrative framework. We exemplify zoo-based amphibian research andCBPs through the experiences of zoos of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA),the Russian Federation, and the United States.