Causes of mortality in anuran amphibians from an ex situ survival assurance colony in Panama.

摘要: The success of ex situ survival assurance populations as tools for amphibian conservation depends on the health and reproductive founder populations. Necropsy examination histopathology animals that die in are useful identification population-limiting disease problems can help to direct applied research efforts areas such husbandry nutrition. This study reviewed postmortem findings 167 frogs from 13 species died a large Panamanian rescue population between 2006 2011. Common identified long-term captive animals, especially Atelopus species, were epithelial squamous metaplasia suggestive vitamin A deficiency polycystic nephropathy resembling lesions seen laboratory with electrolyte imbalances. Metabolic bone was significant contributor morbidity captive-bred juvenile Gastrotheca cornuta, Hemiphractus fasciatus, Hylomantis lemur. Findings common multiple included poor overall nutritional condition sometimes attributable maladaptation epidermal hyperplasia hyperkeratosis possibly reflecting environmental skin irritation. Infectious diseases endoparasitism most recently captured chytridiomycosis Rhabdias sp. lungworms. Applied improve sustainability should focus elucidating optimal practices diverse improving methods supplementation cultured insects role water composition development.