Investigating the optimal rearing strategy for Ambystoma salamanders using a hematological stress index
-
Published source details
Davis A.K. (2012) Investigating the optimal rearing strategy for Ambystoma salamanders using a hematological stress index. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 7, 95-100.
Published source details Davis A.K. (2012) Investigating the optimal rearing strategy for Ambystoma salamanders using a hematological stress index. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 7, 95-100.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
| Action | Category | |
|---|---|---|
|
Amphibians: Manipulate larval density within the enclosure Action Link |
 |
|
|
Head-start amphibians for release Action Link |
 |
-
Amphibians: Manipulate larval density within the enclosure
A replicated study in 2010 of spotted salamanders Ambystoma maculatum in the USA found that housing larvae at low densities resulted in bigger salamanders, higher survival and lower stress levels, similar to larvae in the wild. At different larval densities there were significant differences in body mass (6/tank: 1.8 g; 12/tank: 1.6 g; 30/tank: 0.9 g), survival (94%; 67%; 33% respectively) and stress levels (white blood cell ratios: 0.4; 1.5; 2.2 respectively). At medium larval densities, increased food or habitat complexity had no significant effect on body mass (food: 1.4 g; environment: 1.7 g), survival (89%; 50% respectively), or stress levels (1.3; 0.7 respectively). Egg masses were collected from the wild. Larvae were reared in three replicates of five treatments: starting densities of six, 12 or 30 larvae/1,000 l tank, increased food (12 larvae/tank with triple the zooplankton) or increased habitat complexity (tank filled with sticks and refugia). All tanks had leaf litter on the bottom. Metamorphs were weighed and blood sampled for stress hormone levels.
-
Head-start amphibians for release
A replicated study in 2010 of spotted salamanders Ambystoma maculatum in the USA (Davis 2012) found that housing larvae at low densities resulted in bigger salamanders, higher survival and lower stress levels, similar to larvae in the wild. At different larval densities there were significant differences in body mass (6/tank: 1.8 g; 12/tank: 1.6 g; 30/tank: 0.9 g), survival (94%; 67%; 33% respectively) and stress levels (white blood cell ratios: 0.4; 1.5; 2.2 respectively). At medium larval densities, increased food or habitat complexity had no significant effect on body mass (food: 1.4 g; environment: 1.7 g), survival (89%; 50% respectively), or stress levels (1.3; 0.7 respectively). Egg masses were collected from the wild. Larvae were reared in three replicates of five treatments: starting densities of six, 12 or 30 larvae/1,000 l tank, increased food (12 larvae/tank with triple the zooplankton) or increased habitat complexity (tank filled with sticks and refugia). All tanks had leaf litter on the bottom. Metamorphs were weighed and blood sampled for stress hormone levels.
)_2023.JPG)
