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Hatching Plasticity in Captive-Bred Pickersgill's Reed Frog, Hyperolius pickersgilli (Raw 1982)
Ayrelia Sheranè Randera1, Ian du Plessis1, Piet Lesiba Malepa1
1Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Johannesburg Zoo, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Zoo Biology
|August 29, 2025
Summary
Disturbing Pickersgill's reed frog clutches, even with essential misting, can cause earlier hatching but reduces tadpole survival. Undisturbed clutches are preferable for ex situ breeding programs of this endangered species.
Area of Science:
- Amphibian Conservation
- Reproductive Biology
- Herpetology
Background:
- Pickersgill's reed frog (Hyperolius pickersgilli) is endangered and endemic to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
- Captive breeding programs are crucial for the reintroduction of H. pickersgilli.
- Maintaining high humidity is essential for egg clutch survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hatching plasticity in H. pickersgilli in response to clutch disturbance.
- To assess the impact of water spray disturbance on hatching timing and survival.
Main Methods:
- Clutches were divided into undisturbed and disturbed (water spray) groups.
- Disturbance was applied on day 4 post-oviposition.
- Hatching timing, Gosner stage, yolk sac presence, and 30-day survival were recorded.
Main Results:
- Disturbed clutches hatched significantly earlier (seconds vs. days) than undisturbed clutches.
- Hatching success proportion did not differ between groups.
- Tadpoles from undisturbed clutches exhibited higher 30-day survival rates.
Conclusions:
- While disturbance can induce earlier hatching, it negatively impacts tadpole survival.
- Undisturbed clutch management is recommended for ex situ breeding programs of H. pickersgilli.
- Further research into optimal husbandry practices for endangered amphibians is warranted.
