Study

Breeding, rearing and raising the red-bellied toad Bombina bombina in the laboratory

  • Published source details Kinne O., Kunert J. & Zimmermann W. (2004) Breeding, rearing and raising the red-bellied toad Bombina bombina in the laboratory. Endangered Species Research, 1, 11-23.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Captive breeding toads

Action Link
Amphibian Conservation
  1. Captive breeding toads

    A replicated study in 1999–2003 of captive European red-bellied toads Bombina bombina in northern Germany (Kinne, Kunert & Zimmermann 2004) found that toads bred successfully, particularly outdoors where they were more active, started calling earlier and had higher reproductive success than those indoors. In 2001, 20 indoor females produced an average of 31 eggs/batch (range: 15–40), compared to a total of 1,100 eggs from three outdoor females. Mortality of eggs (8–20%; n = 380), tadpoles (4–7%; n = 1,680) and juveniles (8%; n = 250) was lower in captivity than the field. However, disease could kill all juveniles within 3–5 weeks. Few adults died in captivity, with some living 12 years. All toads successfully over-wintered (at 4–7°C). Breeding enclosures were glass tanks (150 x 60 x 60 cm) with aquatic and terrestrial areas, each housing two adult males and 3–5 females. Eggs were moved to plastic dishes and then outdoor aquaria for hatching. Metamorphs were moved to tanks (60 x 30 x 30 cm). Day temperature was increased to 21°C and daylight periods lengthened to induce breeding.

     

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