AmphibiCast Folgen

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 brightly colored on its underside only?  Is aposematism a better adaptation than camouflage and if so why do some species exhibit both traits?And to confuse matters further, how do we make sense of the following poison frog paradox? -"A frog is poisonous and bad to eat. It's evolved bright warning colors so that predators will avoid it.  But wait! In order for the predator to learn that the frog is poisonous doesn't it have to eat one first anyway?" How does that make any sense!Well, if you feel confused by the poison frog paradox, this is the episode for you! This week I am joined by Dr. Karl Loeffler-Henry and we discuss how he was able to solve this paradox by studying how aposematism evolved and what the tradeoffs are.  We discuss his paper, "Evolutionary transitions from camouflage to aposematism. Hidden signals play a pivotal role," and we talk about how brightly colored organisms survive long enough to warn predators when they are easier to predate than their cryptic peers. Dr. Karl Loeffler-Henry goes on to describe how high degrees of aposematism facilitate speciation, which may partially explain why there are so many different locales of dart frogs. To learn more about this week's topic and Dr. Loeffler-Henry's work, Visit: https://carleton.ca/biology/people/karl-loeffler-henry/https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade5156This Week's episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creations. For unique wildlife, reptile, amphibian, and arachnid art visit:https://www.etsy.com/shop/GrayGhostCreationsTo support the podcast by becoming a Patron, for Merch, and for a 10% listener discount off of an In Situ Ecosystems vivarium, visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCastAbout this week's guest:Dr. Karl Loeffler-Henry is a postdoctoral fellow in the Sherratt Lab. His research  focuses on how natural selection influences animal coloration.  He explores evolutionary  questions using a variety of tools including computer-based simulations, phylogenetic comparative analysis, theoretical models, behavioral experiments and biomechanical comparisons.

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 addition, it should also be noted that private hobbyists and other entities maintaining captive amphibians have contributed substantially to conservation and preservation efforts. The AZA Amphibian Husbandry Guide states that, "There are many reasons to keep amphibians in captivity including for purposes of exhibition, education, conservation, preservation, and for hobby and personal interests." (2)However, despite all the benefits to both keepers and the species they work with, there are entities out there who aim to damage and destroy the world of responsible and ethical keeping . Full out bans, white lists, and harsh legislation are becoming more and more common nowadays.  As responsible keepers, we have an obligation to educate others and to advocate for ourselves before it’s too late. This week I am joined by Tony Wigley of ResponsibleReptileKeeping.org  Tony's mission with the RRK is to advocate for the reptile and amphibian hobbies by educating others and to dispel the numerous myths that perpetuate within the anti reptile and amphibian hobby narratives. The RRK works as a media platform that includes a podcast, youtube videos, and a newsletter that is accessible to enthusiasts at all levels. It’s my pleasure to sit down with Tony this week and discuss many of the serious issues facing herpeteculture today. To learn more, to become a member, and to get involved, visit:https://responsiblereptilekeeping.org/To support the podcast by becoming a Patron, for Merch, and for a 10% listener discount off of an In Situ Ecosystems vivarium, visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCastMore about this week's guest-Tony Wigley is a journalist, podcaster, and founder of Responsible Reptile Keeping. Tony has four decades of experience in herpeteculture, and is well versed in all aspects of the reptile industry.  References(1)https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets#:~:text=Interacting%20with%20animals%20has%20been,support%2C%20and%20boost%20your%20mood. (2)https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2332/amphibianhusbandryresourceguide.pdf

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 interested in reptiles and amphibians, and how the AF grew from a small conservation project in  Crystal and Mark Mandica's basement into the well known amphibian not for profit that it is today!In addition to their amphibian conservation work, the Amphibian Foundation also offers a variety of in-person and online courses for anyone interested in herpetology. To find out more about Crystal's work, to volunteer, donate, or to enroll in critter camp visit: https://amphibianfoundation.org/To Support AmphibiCast by by becoming a Patron, For Merch, and for a 10% discount off of an In Situ Ecosystems vivarium, visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCastThis week's episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creations. For unique amphibian, reptile and arachnid art visit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GrayGhostCreations