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| Devin Edmonds |
| Director of Amphibian Conservation, Association Mitsinjo |
| Building Capacity to Manage Captive Assurance Colonies of Amphibians in Madagascar |
| Location: Madagascar |
| Species: Amphibians |
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| Abstract: Amphibian populations are declining worldwide and the unique frogs of Madagascar are no exception. Many threats, including habitat destruction and over-collection, confront Madagascar's amphibians. The future introduction of the amphibian chytrid fungus to the island is also of great concern. Establishing captive assurance populations of amphibians in Madagascar is urgently needed as a safeguard against extinction. To address this issue, Association Mitsinjo, a community-run conservation organization based around the amphibian biodiversity hotspot of Andasibe, is currently developing a biosecure facility to house endangered frog species. As a crucial first step in this project, Mitsinjo will conduct husbandry research on four frog species which have yet to be kept or bred in captivity. This will both train local technicians in captive care and breeding techniques as well as facilitate the rapid establishment of captive populations in the event amphibian chytrid is introduced to the island. |
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