Staff at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon have successfully bred an endangered Peruvian frog, making them the first zoo in the world to do so.
Also known as the Summers’ poison frog, this particular frog was only named in 2008 when it was separated from the red headed poison frog and identified as a species of its own.
With striking markings, the frog is known in only a few locations in central Peru, where it is listed as endangered due to the high level of habitat loss and illegal smuggling for the pet trade. It is understood that the frog lives and breeds in much drier habitats than similar frogs, laying its eggs in tropical flowering plants and in holes in trees.
Invertebrate keeper Dr Katy Upton said: “According to the global computer database for zoo records, we are the first collection to successfully breed this species. This may be because of the recent taxonomic change of this species, but we are proud to have the Summers’ poison frog here and excited to be able to display this incredible frog to our visitors.
“Paignton Zoo has a state-of-the-art amphibian facility that was purpose-built to provide space to keep species such as this so that we can research and breed them. To do this the team has created complex environments that replicate the needs of these animals and helps provide them with optimum conditions for breeding.”
Experts at the zoo have created microhabitats that maintain the ideal temperature, UV levels, rainfall and humidity in order to encourage breeding. They have also provided suitable sites for eggs and tadpoles, so the frogs can display natural behaviours and care for their young as they would in the wild.
For more information on visiting Paignton Zoo go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
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