Building capacity to implement conservation breeding programs for frogs in Madagascar: Results from year one of Mitsinjo's amphibian husbandry research and captive breeding facility

Abstract

Madagascar is ranked 12th in amphibian species richness by the International Union on the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is considered to be one of the highest priority countries for amphibian conservation. In response to the tremendous threats facing Madagascar’s amphibians, a national strategy for amphibian conservation was developed, emphasizing the need for ex situ conservation action. This project was officially launched through a collaborative effort between a community-run organization, the IUCN, and the Malagasy government. We discuss the process for developing and implementing this project which has included facility construction, terrarium building, culturing local feeder insects, and the training of Malagasy technicians. This is the first captive breeding and amphibian conservation project in Madagascar may become a center for training and education in an area of Madagascar that contains tremendous amphibian diversity and endemism.