Economics of captive breeding applied to the conservation of selected amphibian and reptile species from Madagascar

Published source details Mattioli F., Gili C. & Andreone F. (2006) Economics of captive breeding applied to the conservation of selected amphibian and reptile species from Madagascar. Natura: Societa Italiana di Scienze Naturale e Museo Civico di Storia Naturale Milan, 95, 67-80.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Breed reptiles in captivity: Lizards Action Link
	Captive breeding frogs Action Link
	Breed reptiles in captivity: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles Action Link

Breed reptiles in captivity: Lizards

A replicated study in 1997–2000 in Italy (Mattioli et al. 2006) found that successful captive breeding was achieved for lined flat-tail gecko Uroplatus lineatus, day gecko Phelsuma madagascariensis and Standing’s day gecko Phelsuma standingi. Lined flat-tail gecko (4 clutches of 2 eggs/female/year, 93% hatching success, 100% survival to adult), day gecko (8 clutches of 2 eggs/female/year, 95% hatched, 100% survival) and Standing’s day gecko (8 clutches of 2 eggs/female/year, 93% hatched, 100% survived) bred successfully in captivity. The following species laid eggs in captivity, but no information on hatching success was available: Parson’s chameleon Calumma parsonii (1 clutch of 40 eggs/female/year), panther chameleon Furcifer pardalis (6 clutches of 30–50 eggs/female/year) and satanic leaf-tailed gecko Uroplatus phantasticus (3–4 clutches of 2 eggs/female/year, 2). The estimated cost for one captive-bred individual was: €44.50 for either day gecko species, €60.00 for leaf-tailed or flat-tailed geckos and €6.30 for panther chameleons. Animals were imported from Madagascar in 1997–1998 or were obtained from private breeders or other facilities. Reproduction was monitored in captivity over two years. Some data were obtained from private breeders. Costs were calculated for Italy.

(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
Captive breeding frogs

A replicated study in 1997–2000 in Italy (Mattioli, Gili & Andreone 2006) found that successful captive breeding was achieved for the golden mantella Mantella aurantiaca, false tomato frog Dyscophus guineti and green burrowing frog Scaphiophryne marmorata. A stable breeding population of 60 golden mantellas was achieved (2 clutches/female/year; 60% eggs hatch; 80% survival to adult). Six founder false tomato frogs resulted in a breeding population of 100 frogs (1; 30%; 50%). Green burrowing frogs also bred successfully (1; 80%; 90%). The estimated cost of one captive-bred individual was: 7.50 € for golden mantillas, 3.12 € for tomato frogs and 0.54 € for green burrowing frogs. Animals were imported from Madagascar in 1997–1998 or were obtained from private breeders or other facilities. Reproduction was monitored in captivity over two years. Some data were obtained from private breeders. Costs were calculated for Italy.
Breed reptiles in captivity: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles

A replicated study in 1997–2000 in Italy (Mattioli et al. 2006) found that spider tortoises Pyxis arachnoides bred successfully in captivity. Females produced three clutches/year each of one egg/clutch, and 25% hatched successfully. All hatchlings survived to adult size. Tortoises were imported from Madagascar in 1997–1998 or were obtained from private breeders or other facilities. Reproduction was monitored in captivity over two years. Some data were obtained from private breeders.

(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)