Amphibian captive breeding programmes are a critical conservation tool for species facing extinction, but the welfare of captive amphibians requires specialist knowledge and dedicated care.
Amphibian welfare in captive breeding programmes requires specialist knowledge because these animals have complex and species-specific environmental requirements. Incorrect humidity causes desiccation, incorrect temperature prevents breeding and digestion, insufficient UV causes metabolic bone disease. Amphibians often show subtle signs of poor welfare that are easily missed by untrained observers. The conservation justification for holding amphibians in captivity is often compelling — for many critically endangered species, captive breeding represents the last hope for survival. The welfare challenge is to maintain animals in conditions that meet their physical and behavioural needs while supporting the breeding success required for the conservation mission. The two goals are aligned: healthy, well-housed amphibians breed more successfully.