|
AArk
science and research
“Zoos, aquariums and their
partners are developing as one of the most substantial sources of scientific
knowledge and activity, for the ultimate benefit of the survival of biodiversity
...” Reid et al 2008.
 The
Amphibian Ark
Science and Research portal provides a range guide for amphibian research.
The portal also offers an insight into the research needs of amphibian
conservation breeding programs. The primary document is the
Amphibian Conservation Research Guide which includes:
- Husbandry Projects for
Zoos
- Conservation Breeding
- Re-introduction
- In situ Programs
- Facilities and
Collaborations
- Visitor Studies.
Supporting the Guide are
documents in the categories of:
The Guide is mainly based on
the potential of different scientific fields to contribute to research that
supports conservation breeding programs, and on developing research potentials
that engage the widest range of participants. The Guide extends through
conservation breeding programs including field assessment and amelioration of
threats, the selection and sampling of founders, the husbandry and reproduction
cycle, and reintroduction. The current science to support conservation breeding
programs for amphibians is limited. Some scientific fields that support
amphibian conservation breeding programs are relatively well-known including
amphibian embryology and development, physiology, endocrinology, immunity,
toxicology, reproduction and ecology. Others including nutrition, behaviour and
stress, cycles of temperature and lighting, their specific effect on
reproduction, and amphibian diseases are poorly known.
Research is emphasized in the Guide that: directly contributes to both ex
situ and in situ components of amphibian conservation; extends
research programs widely throughout scientific fields; involves the global
community; targets conservation breeding programs; encourages collaborations;
directly benefits participating institutions and more broadly humanity; supports
young conservation scientists; and develops benign research techniques.
 Zoos,
private amphibian keepers, commercial breeders, researchers, aquaculture
facilities and aquariums, science researchers and educationalists have led the
way to manage and consistently reproduce an increasing number of amphibian
species. For private breeders these achievements have come from the challenge of
being pioneers in the husbandry and reproduction of novel species. For
commercial enterprisers the goal was the provision of large numbers of
amphibians for display, consumption or research. This knowledge must now be
harnessed, and expanded through research, to support conservation breeding
programs for a very diverse range of amphibian species. Many studies of
amphibians can be directly applied to reptiles, and their results also benefit
other groups including birds and fish.
Contributions will be welcome to our range of supplementary material. We hope to
increase the range of Science and Research documents. Please
contact
robert@amphibianark.org for further information. |
