Saving Frogs, One Leap at a Time

Amphibians, including frogs, are in serious trouble! Their populations are declining dramatically with 41% of it species are at risk of extinction. But hope isn’t lost, scientists and researchers, like M. Graciela Aguilar, DVM, PhD Candidate, are working hard to protect these amazing creatures through ex-situ conservation, which involves caring for frogs in controlled environments away from their natural habitats.

The Frog Models: Red-Eyed and Lemur Tree Frogs

To improve conservation efforts, researchers like Dr. Aguilar are studying two species to help improve nutrition, microbiome health, and frog husbandry. The specialized care for these amphibians ensures the health and survival by replicating their natural habitats to meet their needs. Dr. Aguilar’s work surrounds two frog species key for conservation efforts.

• Red-Eyed Tree Frogs (Agalychnis callidryas) – Known for their striking colors and large red eyes.
• Lemur Tree Frogs (Agalychnis lemur) – A critically endangered species in urgent need of protection. This species population has declined 80-95% in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia.

Investigating Nutritional Challenges

Because many of these frogs often face nutritional imbalances in captivity that can cause serious health problems, scientists are tackling two major issues:

1. Preventing Hypovitaminosis A (Vitamin A Deficiency)

• Hypovitaminosis A: Low dietary Vitamin A can lead to problems that affect the skin, eyes, growth, reproduction, and immune function.
• A study evaluating vitamin A enriched diets for Red Eyed Tree frogs over 260 days found that delivery of this important vitamin through crickets can be challenging and that we need to identify better methods for deliver to ensure their health.

2. Preventing Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (NSHP)

• NSHP occurs due to low calcium in the diet, resulting in weak bones and deformities.
• Lemur tree frogs were fed crickets with different calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca:P) ratios. Results showed increased bone density in frogs receiving a proper balanced calcium to phosphorous ratio than those with an imbalanced calcium and phosphorous ratio.

Exploring Skin Microbiomes: The skin microbiome—including bacteria and fungi—helps protect frogs from harmful pathogens. Researchers compared the microbiomes of captive and wild red-eyed and lemur tree frogs to identify whether this played a crucial role in maintaining their health and protecting against pathogens. Research found:

• Wild frogs had higher microbiome diversity than captive frogs. Now researchers are learning how to improve captive environments to make them more like the wild, which could help enhance the microbiome health of captive frogs. Understanding the greater diversity in wild frogs helps us better assess what is needed for frogs in captivity

Does UVB Make a Difference?

To explore the role of UVB light in amphibian health, researchers are now studying its effects on liver Vitamin D (calcidiol) levels, bone density, and overall health in red-eyed tree frogs. More to come when this project finishes!.

What’s Next for Frog Conservation?

These findings will help refine captive breeding programs by enhancing nutrition, ensuring healthier microbiomes, and providing better environmental conditions. Ultimately, the goal is to prepare these frogs for successful reintroduction into the wild.

Want to Help?

Support local conservation programs, protect habitats, reduce pollution and pesticide use, create frog friendly gardens, and spread awareness about these incredible creatures. Together, can we give frogs a fighting chance!?

Research By: M. Graciela Aguilar, DVM, PhD Candidate 

Supported By: LSU ACRES GRANTS, VCS CORP GRANTS, FLUKER FARMS GRANTS