AmphibiCast

Manchester Museum is home to one of the most stunning vivarium exhibits in the world. Known as The Vivarium, this section of the museum houses its amphibian collection, which includes critically endangered Atelopus varius, several Cruziohyla species, Agalychnis lemur, and many more. With a focus on research, education, and conservation, The Vivarium engages the needs of endangered amphibians at a...

This week I am joined by Mark Pepper of Understory Enterprises. Mark has years of experience working with dendrobatids in the field, as an importer, and as a breeder. Mark also bears the distinction of having a recently described species of frog named after him- Ameerega pepperi. In this episode Mark walks us through how he started off, exploring Peru with a team of researchers, the challenges of...

It’s always important to properly research the husbandry needs of a species before we take on its care as a keeper. An understanding of  the animal’s natural history, it’s captive care needs, behavior, and longevity, is vital if we are to succeed. Equally important though, (yet not always accepted)  is the value of continuing our education and accepting that we are always developing as keepers. Th...

Horned frogs (Also fondly known as "Pacman Frogs" are commonly kept by both beginners and advanced hobbyists. They have relatively simple care  requirements and can make a great entry level amphibian. In this episode, I run down some basic husbandry and care requirements that every pacman frog beginner should be familiar with.  This week's episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creation...

Ameerega is arguably one of the most stunning genera of dart frogs. Although they are not as common in the hobby as  dendrobates or oophaga, they are still a vibrant and interesting genus with a variety of colorful species  that make a fine additional to a properly sized vivarium. This week I am joined by Canadian Hobbyist and Breeder, Sean McIntyre. Sean and I discuss Ameerega as a genus, and som...

This week I am joined by Steve Reyes. Steve is a fellow dart frog keeper with decades of experience in the amphibian and reptile  hobbies. Within the past few years, though Steve has narrowed his focus towards working with large obligates and he keeps and breeds several species and locales.  In this episode, Steve walks us through his approach  to successfully maintaining and breeding these sensit...

Aposematism and chemical defense are common traits among many species of amphibian. California Newts, Dart frogs, and Fire Bellied Toads are prime examples.  But, if we look at the three, we notice that not all are colored equally despite all being toxic. California newts and some species of dart frog for example,  both produce lethal toxins; but why is one brightly colored all over and why is one...

Keeping amphibians and reptiles enriches the lives of millions of people world-wide.  According to the National Institute of Health, "Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood." (1)  In addi...

This week I am joined by Crystal Mandica of the Amphibian Foundation. Crystal is  co-founder, Director of Education, and  Collections Manager of almost 600 amphibians at the Amphibian Foundation. In this weeks episode, we discuss what it takes to manage such a large operation day to day.  We also talk about the value of education and community outreach, running a critter camp for young people inte...

Film is an art unto itself and in this episode I chat with Simon "Si" Harper and Aura Manjarrez about their upcoming project -creating a nature documentary about the bolitoglossa genus of salamanders. We discuss Si's science background and his interest in bolitoglossa as well as Aura's film making background. We also discuss some of the challenges that go along with making a fi...

In this episode I sit down with Carlos Galvis, Chris Buttermore, and Jack Small. We discuss the unique challenges facing wild Oophaga Lehmanni,  the work that Cali Zoo is doing to maintain assurance colonies, and their work releasing  frogs into back the wild. Wild lehmanni are arguably much more fragile than their captive counterparts and pose special husbandry challenges in an assurance colony. ...

This week we continue the AmphibiCast Artist Series with Laura Airey Le. Laura works with colored pencil to create stunning drawings of a myriad of species including arachnids, reptiles, and dart frogs. 

Have you ever been to a zoo or aquarium and marveled at the artistry of each enclosure or exhibit?  Well, each one of them starts with an artist and an idea.  This week I am joined by professional artist Ron Rundo. Ron specializes in creating zoo quality enclosures and epoxy backgrounds that are both visually stunning and incredibly functional.  Ron designs, sculpts and paints each piece by hand w...

This week I am joined by Dr. Gary Bucciarelli. Gary is a researcher with decades of amphibian experience and in this episode we discuss the effects of UVB on wild oophaga pumilio, as well as the unique natural history (and incredible toxicity) of the California newt.  To learn more about Gary's research visit: http://www.garybucciarelli.org/ To Support the podcast by becoming a Patron, for me...

This week I am joined once again by veterinarian, Dr. Robert “Oz” Ossiboff. In this episode we dive deeper into amphibian medicine and examine several real life cases that include metabolic bone disease, nematode infections, chytrid, entamoeba, mycobacteriosis and more! We discuss the disease processes for each, diagnostics, treatments and  real life outcomes.  To learn more visit https://www.vetm...

This week I am joined by Cristie Alleman of Cristie’s Ranitomeya. We talk about her breeding projects, and why she chose to begin her journey into frogs with Ranitomeya.  To support to the show be becoming a Patron, for a 10% discount off of an In Situ Ecosystems vivarium, for merch, and to support dart frog conservation through the Active Conservation Alliance, visit  https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCas...

As the frog hobby and other exotic hobbies progress into the digital age, more and more people are falling victim to online scams.  Both buyers and sellers face unique challenges when it comes to online animal and dry good sales, but how do we identify a scam and how do we avoid them? Helping me tackle this week's topic is Bill Strand. Bill is the host of the Reptile Entrepreneur Podcast and...

Frogs and toads (and salamanders too!) are known for their unique feeding mechanisms.  Many species rely on their tongues to capture and ingest prey but did you know that there is so much more involved than just the tongue? This week I am joined by Rachael Keeffe and we discuss her new paper on the feeding mechanics of the cane toad (Rhynella marina). Using sophisticated XROMM technology, Rachael...

One of the most common questions that amphibian keepers have is, how do I provide proper supplemental heat to my enclosure? In this episode I discuss some of  different methods and equipment that are effective at providing  additional heat when it is needed.  This week's episode is sponsored by the Active Conservation Alliance. The ACA is a conservation effort with a special interest in dart...

This week I am joined by Jack Small and we discuss his recent trip to Colombia and Cali Zoo, some takeaways from this passed American Frog Day, our 2023 frog room goals and much more.  This week's episode is sponsored by the Active Conservation Alliance. The ACA is a conservation effort with a special interest in dart frogs. To get involved visit: https://activeconservationalliance.org/ For a...

One of the largest and most unique looking frogs available to hobbyists is Phyllomedusa bicolor (also known as the giant monkey frog or waxy monkey treefrog).  This week I am joined by Mike Novy, and we discuss the care and proper husbandry of the species, and we also discuss it's history in the amphibian hobby dating back to the early 1990's.  Phyllomedusa bicolor is an incredible speci...

This three part series focuses on the past, present and future of Tesoros de Colombia. In this week's episode (Part 3) we talk about the future. I am joined by Ivan and Michael Heinrichs, and we discuss the future projects underway at Tesoros de Colombia, including the creation of the Active Conservation Alliance.  For more information visit: https://tesorosdecolombia.com/ and https://activec...

This three part series focuses on the past, present and future of Tesoros de Colombia. In this week's episode (Part 2) we talk about the present. I am joined by Ivan and Julio Rodriguez and we discuss the current projects underway at Tesoros de Colombia, what went into the very first export, dealing with CITES and Fish and Wildlife inspections, how frogs are shipped safely, and how the market...

One of the greatest concerns facing wild amphibians today is poaching. Poaching and Illegal trade not only put amphibian populations at risk from over collection, they also jeopardize conservation efforts by competing with legal trade.  Seized shipments of illegal frogs often have nowhere to go,  finding responsible sustainable sources to supply hobbyists is a challenge, and captive reintroduction...

One of the best things about podcasting is being able to chat with like-minded people about the things you enjoy most.  2022 has been a great year for the Podcast and as the year comes to an end, I'd like to thank all my guests and listeners for the support.  In this special holiday episode, I am joined once again by Mike Tytula and we talk about the reptile and amphibian hobbies, the challen...