Captive management, Breeding and Apsect of Reproductive Physiology of endangered Fijian ground frog: (Platymantis vitianus)
The Fijian ground frog (FGF) (Platymantis vitianus) is an endemic anuran species only found on a few remaining mongoose-free islands. Management of this endangered frog was undertaken in captivity at the University of the South Pacific (USP), Suva, Fiji Islands in a purpose-built exterior enclosure to understand their environmental preferences and breeding activity because of the difficulty studying them in their natural habitat. The experimental design tested which environments they preferred and the results show that the frogs occupy more naturally vegetated environments than spending time in open exposed areas like the introduced cane toad (Chaunus marinus). Several environmental covariates were monitored to establish which physical conditions influence their behaviour. Results indicate that the average monthly nocturnal foraging activity of FGF was affected by average monthly values of rainfall (mm3), relative humidity (%), and minimum-maximum temperatures (Co). Breeding occurred during early December 2006 and into early January 2007. The embryonic development of the FGF and information on the captive management of FGF froglet(s) at various life stages are discussed. The morphology of reproductive tissues of an adult male and female FGF is provided. The morphology of spermatozoa (sperm cells) of adult male FGF was viewed under a light microscope and furthermore, histology of reproductive tissues of adult male and female FGF is discussed. The baseline information will be used to improve the conservation status of FGF and to better understand FGF breeding and behaviour in ex-situ environments.