Variable Harlequin Toad: Critically Endangered Species Bred in Captivity for the First Time

Scientists from the Machester Museum, a part of the University of Manchester, have successfully bred one of the world's rarest toads: the variable harlequin toad.

These toads, scientifically known as Atelopus varius, live deep in the rainforests of Central American countries of Panama and Costa Rica. They only breed in turbulent streams that are filled with stones and boulders where they lay their eggs.

Breeding Variable Harlequin Toad In Captivity

Taking inspiration from the conditions of the frogs' natural habitat in Panama, the scientists used collected data to recreate the variable harlequin toad's habitat taking into consideration the temperature, water levels, and water flow in captivity.

They also used special lighting that certain tropical algae can survive, a key condition in the successful rearing of the frogs. Tadpoles use their sucker-like mouths to feed on these algae.

MSN reported that the breeding program is the result of three years of work since six vibrant variable harlequin toads were brought to the museum from Panama in 2018.

Andrew Gray, the curator of herpetology at the Manchester Museum said that they could breed tadpoles in captivity if ever these species go extinct in their natural habitat.

He pointed out that the university is the only institution outside of Panama to house these yellow and black frogs, and it does not take its responsibility lightly. The successful breeding of this remarkable species is considered a first in history and heralds the next chapter for more innovative amphibian conservation efforts.

"We were very nervous about putting them in such deep water but they walked along the bottom just like they were walking on land. It was unbelievable," he said. "The adults can stay underwater for very long periods before breeding and were in the aquarium for over a month."

The breeding program is a collaboration between scientists from Panama Wildlife Charity (PWCC), Manchester Museum, and The University of Manchester's Faculty of Medicine, Biology, and Heath.

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Conservation of Variable Harlequin Toad

The conservation project of the critically endangered toads was not only the efforts of the scientists involved in the study but also by local communities in the Santa Fe National Park in Panama, according to the news release of the University of Manchester.

Scientists in Manchester Museum are world-renowned experts in amphibian husbandry who made conditions inside their laboratory aquarium viable for the toads to breed.

According to Professor Amanda Bamford of the University of Machester, she is proud to be part of the project of conserving the toads especially as Atelopus varius is one of the highly endangered groups of amphibians on the planet. But she is especially proud to involve in training local communities and providing educational materials to schoolchildren in the area.

PWCC Director Dr. Luis Urena said that looking after global diversity should be a top priority for all people in the world and that their team is glad to use the conservation of variable harlequin toad of Panama as an example of the difference they could make.