This week I'm joined by Jodi Rowley. Jodi is a leading amphibian expert with over 100 publications to her name,  years of field research in South East Asia and Australia, and she has identified and described several new frog species. In this episode, we discuss Jodi's career researching frogs, we compare amphibian disease dynamics in different corners of the globe, never before seen frog species, and the importance of citizen science through Frog ID

* One of the species we discuss is - rhacophorus helenae (named in honor of Jodi's Mum)

To learn more visit:  https://jodirowley.com/

To help frogs through citizen science visit: https://www.frogid.net.au/

Broaden your knowledge of herpetology online or in person at the Amphibian Foundation. Register now at www.amphibianfoundation.org and use code AMPHIBICAST at checkout for 10% off 

This episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creations
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GrayGhostCreations

Exo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media. 

NEHERP is our sponsor this week For your bioactive vivarium needs visit: https://www.neherpetoculture.com/

This week Alex Menke, Mike Novy, and I answer listener questions about dart frogs and tree frogs. We discuss husbandry, breeding, ethical topics, and we have more than a few laughs. Thanks to all the listeners who submitted questions. 

Be sure to follow

@amphibicast

https://www.facebook.com/frogdaddyllc/

https://www.facebook.com/p/Rainforestjunkys-100078666645717/

https://frogdaddy.net/

http://www.rainforestjunkys.com/

Broaden your knowledge of herpetology online or in person at the Amphibian Foundation. Register now at www.amphibianfoundation.org and use code AMPHIBICAST at checkout for 10% off 

Exo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media. 

NEHERP is our sponsor this week For your bioactive vivarium needs visit: https://www.neherpetoculture.com/

Zoos often play an integral part in amphibian conservation. This week I am joined by Audrey and Chris courtesy of Houston Zoo, and we discuss their work with the critically endangered Houston Toad. 

Exo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media. 

To Support the Podcast, for merch, and vivarium discounts please visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

Have you ever dreamed of building a giant, naturalistic vivarium for your frogs? What does it take to construct, scape, plant and stock a 48 cubic foot vivarium (4ft by 2ft by 6ft)? In this  4 part series we will build a hypothetical large format vivarium from the ground up and address the challenges and rewards that go along with it!

In this episode (Part 3.), I am joined by Alex Menke of Frog Daddy and we discuss some of the plant choices that are appropriate for a Large Format Vivarium. We also discuss the effects of a large tank on plant growth, when to avoid larger plants, and how to plan a build that will grow in successfully without being over run. 

If you would like to purchase a tank from In Situ Ecosystems and get 10% off your purchase for being a listener. Click https://insituecosystems.com/?ref=amphibicast and make your purchase through this link.

For everything else visit https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

Be sure to checkout some amazing vivarium plants at frogdaddy.net 

Have you ever dreamed of building a giant, naturalistic vivarium for your frogs? What does it take to construct, scape, plant and stock a 48 cubic foot vivarium (4ft by 2ft by 6ft)? In this  4 part series we will build a hypothetical large format vivarium from the ground up and address the challenges and rewards that go along with it!

In this episode, (Part 2.) I am joined by Brandon Willis. We discuss some of the different techniques and materials used as hardscape during vivarium construction and some of the challenges associated with a large format build. We talk about the pros and cons of different methods and how to plan out an extra large hardscape in advance. 

If you are interested in purchasing any of the vivariums discussed in this series (large or small) and getting a 10 % listener discount click and make your purchase through this link https://insituecosystems.com/?ref=amphibicast

For everything else visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

Be sure to follow Brandon on Instagram @lost.vivariums

Have you ever dreamed of building a giant, naturalistic vivarium for your frogs? What does it take to construct, scape, plant and stock a 48 cubic foot vivarium (4ft by 2ft by 6ft)? In this  4 part series we will build a hypothetical large format vivarium from the ground up and address the challenges and rewards that go along with it!

In this episode (Part 1.) I am joined by Bill Rodman of In Situ Ecosystems and we discuss the creation of, and engineering  behind, his large format vivarium, the Orinoco Grande. We talk about how the tank is kept light weight through the use of special materials, how important lighting and ventilation is, and some of the different frog behaviors that are only seen in large format tanks. 

If you would like to purchase a tank from In Situ Ecosystems and get 10% off your purchase for being a listener. Click https://insituecosystems.com/?ref=amphibicast and make your purchase through this link.

For everything else visit https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

This week I am joined by Aaron Capouellez. Aaron is the founder of PA Woods and Forests and he specializes in studying amphibians and other organisms native to Pennsylvania. In this episode, we discuss specific Pennsylvania biomes, frog species native to the area, and how to best recreate these biomes in a captive setting. We also discuss the challenges of keeping native species, such as the American Toad and whether or not we can successfully incorporate carnivorous plants into a vivarium build. 

To learn more about Aaron's work and to support PA Woods and Forests visit: https://www.pawoodsandforests.com/

To Support the podcast by becoming a Patron, for AmphibiCast Merch, and for a 10% listener discount off of an In Situ Ecosystems vivarium visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

We've all been there at some point. We've worked hard to acquire a healthy frog, toad, or salamander, we've done our homework and set it up properly, but unfortunately it passes away. The experience can be difficult and frustrating to say the least.  However, if we want to improve our methods and grow as hobbyists, it's important that we learn as much as we can from the experience. 

There are many reasons why an an amphibian passes away while in our care. Although we may not always find a cause we still need to examine our methods. In this episode we run down a check list of questions we need to ask ourselves and we consider a number of possibilities that may have resulted in a loss. 

To support the show by becoming a Patron, for a 10% discount off In Situ Ecosystems vivariums, for AmphibiCast Merch and to support Panamanian Frog Conservation visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

Oophaga pumilio are well known for their vivid and variable coloration. But did you know that they have extremely sophisticated mating behaviors that select for certain colors?  In this week's episode I am joined by researcher, Yusan Yang and we discuss her work studying mate selection in wild oophaga pumilio. We talk about mating both male and female behaviors associated with color selection, and how pumilo tadpoles can actually imprint on their mothers. We also discuss one of Yusan's research projects that was featured in the Netflix documentary "Life in Color," narrated by David Attenborough. 

To support the show by becoming a Patron, for AmphibiCast Merch , for a 10% listener discount on an In Situ Ecosystems vivarium, and to support Panamanian Frog Conservation visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

To find out more about Yusan and her research visit: https://biology.wustl.edu/people/yusan-yang and be sure to check out her featured segment in Life in Color on Netflix https://www.outsideonline.com/culture/books-media/life-in-color-david-attenborough-behind-the-scenes/

This week I am joined by Dr. Alessandro Catenazzi. Alessandro is a conservation biologist who assesses amphibian populations for the IUCN red list, We discuss what the IUCN is, how species and populations are assessed, and what the future holds for endangered frogs.  We also talk about frog species native to the Peruvian cloud forest biome, and how many endangered species are actually on the rebound.


For AmphibiCast Merch, to support the show by becoming a Patron, and for a 10% listener discount on and In Situ Ecosystems vivarium visit:  https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

To find out more about Alessandro and his research visit https://www.catenazzilab.org/

People often make comparisons between reef tanks and planted vivariums due to their complexity and beauty.  They both require substantial care and effort, yet despite their many challenges, they ultimately reward the keeper with a perfect slice of the natural world.  This week I am joined by reef aquarist turned dart frog breeder,  Kyle Martin. Kyle and I discuss his transition from keeping reef aquariums to dart frogs and how he used his aquarist skill set to be successful with both.  We also discuss Kyle's unique methods of raising tadpoles communally, how to measure water quality, and maintaining successful dart frog community tanks. 

For AmphibiCast Merch, to support the show by becoming a Patron, and for a 10% discount off an In Situ Ecosystems Vivarium, click https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

To find out more about Kyle and to purchase quality captive bred dart frogs visit ncdartfrogs.com (don't forget to use the coupon code mentioned in the show!)

This week I am joined by Jack Small. Jack is one of the organizers of this year's American Frog Day and in this episode we discuss how the event started decades ago, how it grew over the years, what sets it apart from other expos,  and what we can expect this year. We also discuss how Jack keeps amd breeds his dendrobates truncatus, and we talk about how important the greater dart frog community is. 

American Frog Day is the biggest dart frog focused event in the US. If you are interested in attending and will be in the Chicago Area on September 24th 2022, visit: https://americanfrogday.com/ for tickets and info

For AmphibiCast Merch, to support the show by becoming a Patron, and for a 10% discount off of an In Situ Ecosystems Vivarium visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast 

Tonight I am joined by Dr. Kyle Summers. Dr. Summers has studied dendrobatids extensively since the 1980s and he has contributed immensely to the dart frog knowledge base. (Ranitomeya summersi is in fact named in his honor). In this episode we discuss different types of mimicry in Ranitomeya, differing degrees of toxicity between mimics, and monogamy in Ranitomeya imitator. We also discuss his dart frog blog and what happed after he handled a fully toxic wild Phyllobates vittatus. 

To support the podcast by becoming a Patron, for AmphibiCast Merch, to save 10% on In Situ Ecosytems vivariums, and to support Panamanian Frog Conservation visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

Be sure to check out Dr. Summers Blog at http://blog.ecu.edu/sites/summersk/my-life-with-the-poison-frogs-intro/

EPISODE 200! 

This week I am joined by Julio Rodriguez, Troy Goldberg and Mike Tytula. We have a full blown dart frog round table discussion covering tips, observations, breeding, supplementation, zoopoxy, mystery locales, social media posts gone rogue, and oh so much more. 

Broaden your knowledge of herpetology online or in person at the Amphibian Foundation. Register now at www.amphibianfoundation.org and use code AMPHIBICAST at checkout for 10% off 

This episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creations
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GrayGhostCreations

Exo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media. 

Tesorosfrogs.com is your source for responsible, ethical, and sustainable captive bred frogs and vivarium supplies. visit tesorosfrogs.com to shop 

To Support the Podcast, for merch, and vivarium discounts please visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

The Amazon Milk Frog (rachycephalus resinifictrix) is a popular species among amphibian hobbyists. In tonight's episode I review a paper on Amazon Milk Frog Husbandry  written by French Scientist Fabien Mignet and discuss some of the key husbandry points.

Tonight's podcast contains a reading of a scientific paper with all credit to the original author. Mignet, F. (2015). Biology and Captive Breeding of the Amazonian Milk Frog, Trachycephalus resinifictrix (Goeldi 1907). Reptiles & Amphibians, 22(2), 68–75.

To read Dr. Mignet's paper visit https://journals.ku.edu/reptilesandamphibians/article/view/14047

Hi everyone! I wanted to share some quick announcements about the show and some upcoming events!

1. Order Anura is hosting a Fundraiser in the Podcast's name to support Panamanian Frog conservation. Each 5 dollar entry gets you a chance to win a pair of dart frogs and some really cool plants! The fundraiser for Project Golden Frog is from August 11th through August 27th.  Follow and message @orderanura on instagram for more info or visit  orderanura.com
 To donate  and enter visit www.paypal.com/paypalme/ProjectGoldenFrog and DM Orderanura with confirmation for your chance to win 

2. My buddy Richard of the Exotic Pet Collective Podcast will be having comedian and exotic animal keeper Debra Wilson (of Mad TV)  on as his guest August 19th. Be sure to follow the Exotic Pet Collective and The Tarantula Collective on all platforms!

3. American Frog Day 2022 is just around the corner (9.24.22) visit www.americanfrogday.com for more info!

This week I welcome back Troy Goldberg for episode 100. We discuss rack systems for dart frog vivariums, the care and breeding of large obligates, and the importance of putting out quality online frog content. 

To support the show by becoming a Patron, for AmphibiCast Merch, for a 10% listener discount on In Situ Ecosystems vivariums, and to support Panamanian frog conservation visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

Be sure to Follow Troys Tropical Garage on Youtube, Instagram and Facebook

I would also want to thank everyone who helped the podcast get to 100 episodes.  To all my guests, sponsors and listeners - This episode is dedicated to you!

As the Amphibian Hobby continues to grow, more and more people are keeping frogs and other amphibians as pets.  However, situations often arise where keepers can no longer keep their animals.  Many keepers look out for rescue organizations, but there are only a handful that accept amphibians.  Running an amphibian focused rescue operation also poses a unique set of challenges. 

This week I am joined by Cloudberry Exotics Sanctuary and we discuss how she started her rescue operation in 2009 , why she chose to focus on frogs, and what's involved in rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming frogs in need. We discuss some common situations where a frog may need to be rescued and how to avoid care and husbandry mistakes. 

Follow Cloudberry Exotics Sanctuary on instagram @cloudberryexotics and visit https://www.cloudberryexotics.com/

For AmphibiCast Merch, to support the show by becoming a patron, for a 10% listener discount on In Situ Ecosystems vivariums and to support Panamanian Frog Conservation visit:https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast
 

Oophaga pumilio "blue jeans" is one of the most visually stunning frogs in the world. Yet, there hasn't been a concerted effort to breed them in captivity up until now. This week I am joined once again by Audrey of Urban Amphibia, and we discuss her Oophaga pumilio "blue jeans" captive breeding project, some behavior quirks that are unique to the locale ,and how to get a pair to successfully reproduce.  We also discuss Audrey's educational work with veterinary students and how she uses dart frogs and other animals in community outreach programs for combat veterans. 

To support the show by becoming a Patron, for AmphibiCast merch, for a 10% listener discount on In Situ Ecosystems vivariums, and to support Panamanian Frog Conservation visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

Be sure to follow Audrey on Instagram @urban_amphibia and subscribe to her Youtube Channel Audrey's Urban Exotics 

Over the years, it has become common practice to incorporate specialized UV lighting into the husbandry of many herp species.  Although we don't often associate UV lighting with captive amphibians, there may be a place for it as technology continues to evolve in a more frog friendly direction. In this week's episode I am joined by Ryan McVeigh of VivTech. Ryan has dedicated years of his career developing and advancing husbandry tools such as UV lighting. We discuss how the technology has advanced since the early 1980's, UV options out there today that may suit the needs of captive amphibians, and we compare and contrast some aspects of the reptile and amphibian hobbies. 

For more information check out: https://www.vivtechproducts.com/index.php/about

FOR A 10% DISCOUNT OFF OF A VIVTECH PRODUCT USE CODE AmphibiCast22 at www.vivtechproducts.com

To support the show by becoming a Patron, for AmphibiCast Merch, for a 10% discount on In Situ Ecosystems vivariums and to support Panamanian Frog Conservation, click: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

When we think about dart frogs, we almost always  immediately picture the beautifully blue Dendrobates tinctorius "azureus." Once thought to be its own species (research is still ongoing), Azureus has been the focus of attention for both beginner and advanced hobbyists for half a century. However, there hasn't been a thorough account of how Azureus came into zoos and private collections up until now. My guest this week is Nick Zoppa, and Nick has taken the time to fully research the history and timeline of Azureus in the hobby. He has written an article about how the locale arrived into collections around the world, and another detailing and demystifying the different lineages existing today. 

To read Nick's articles visit: https://www.tinctank.com/

To suport AmphibiCast by becoming a Patron, for Merch, and for 10% listener discounts on In Situ Ecosystems vivariums click: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

This week I am joined by Edgardo Griffith of the EVACC Foundation in Panama. Edgardo has dedicated decades of his life working towards preserving the Panamanian Golden Frog (Atelopus zeteki). In this episode we discuss how it all started, what the situation is today, and what the future holds for the world's most iconic and endangered amphibian species.  

To support / donate towards the Panamanian Golden Frog's preservation please visit: https://www.ranadorada.org/

To support AmphibiCast by becoming a Patron, for Merch, and for 10 % listener discounts on In Situ Ecosystems vivariums click https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

In this weeks episode I discuss some money saving options for those interested in keeping frogs on a budget. 



To support the show by becoming a Patron, for a 10% listener discount off In Situ Ecosystems Vivariums, for AmphibiCast Merch, and to support Panamanian Amphibian Conservation click  https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

Tonight I am joined again by Zac Goodnow from Equatorial Ecosystems.  Zac and I discuss some common issues that pop up in both new and established vivariums such as plant die off, mold outbreaks, fungus gnats, snails, poor drainage, and -what to do with that expensive cutting you recently bought that just won't thrive.  If you've ever had something go wrong in one of your vivariums this is the episode you've waiting for. 

Be sure to check out https://equatorial-ecosystems.com/ and follow Zac on Instagram 

To support the show by becoming a Patron on Patreon, for AmphibiCast Merch, and for listener discounts on In Situ vivariums check out https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

This week I am joined by Ivan Lozano. In this episode, we discuss sustainable Colombian bio-commerce, the introduction of the first legally imported andinobates into the US amphibian community, and a new partnership between coffee farmers and conservationist aimed at saving precious frog habitat.

Exo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media. 

Tesorosfrogs.com is your source for responsible, ethical, and sustainable captive bred frogs and vivarium supplies. visit tesorosfrogs.com to shop 

To Support the Podcast, for merch, and vivarium discounts please visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

Tonight I am joined by Dr. David Blackburn. David has spent the majority of his career studying African Frog species, as well as frog evolution and morphology.  We begin with a discussion on frog evolution, extinct frogs, and the frogs in fossil record; and we continue on to discuss several African species including the goliath frog and a very rare species of Xenopus. We also discuss some of the new technology that scientists are using to study and recreate rare and extinct amphibian species.

To support the show by becoming a Patron on Patreon, for AmphibiCast Merch, and for listener discounts on In Situ Ecosystems vivariums visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

To learn more about the topics discussed in tonight's show check out these links.

Data repository for sharing CT-scans: https://www.morphosource.org/

 3D models for education and outreach: https://sketchfab.com/ufherps

 Lab website: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/blackburn-lab/

 AmphibiaWeb account for Conraua goliath: https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Conraua&where-species=goliath

 AmphibiaWeb account for Trichobatrachus robustus: https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Trichobatrachus&where-species=robustus

 AmphibiaWeb account for Xenopus longipes: https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Xenopus&where-species=longipes

Spindly Leg Syndrome is a condition that negatively effects developing tadpoles and causes them to develop thin "spindly" legs during metamorphosis.  The condition is ultimately fatal and as such it can be a difficult challenge for hobbyists and conservationists looking to breed dendrobatid frogs to overcome. Many have theorized why spindly leg occurs, but there hasn't been much in the way of peer reviewed literature until now.

To shed light on the subject, I am joined tonight by Kathleen Higgins. Kathleen recently conducted extensive studies in Panama to discover the causes of Spindly Leg Syndrome in captive Andinobates geminisae with surprising results.  Kathleen co-authored a paper describing her findings and we discuss all of it in this week's epsiode. 

For more information and to read Kathleen's Paper visit:

https://theses.lib.sfu.ca/file/thesis/5427
Or
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/zoo.21598

For AmphibiCast Merch, Listener Discounts on In Situ Ecosystems Vivariums or to support the show by becoming a Patron Visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

Tonight I am joined by Mike Novy of Rain Forest Junkys. We discuss the care and breeding of red eyed tree frogs, and how Mike fine tuned his husbandry methods over the last thirty years. Mike and I  cover everything from tadpole care to tank cleaning to supplementation.  We also finish tonight's show with a discussion about some recent drama resulting from a recent Youtube video featuring Mike's breeding operation and some of the misinformed negative criticism in the comments.  

For more, follow Mike on Facebook or visit:
http://www.rainforestjunkys.com/

For AmphibiCast Merch, 10 % Listener Discounts on In Situ Ecosystems, and for the AmphibiCast Patreon click https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

This week I am joined by Nick Stacey of Fragile Planet Wildlife Park. You may remember Nick from Episode 19. where we discussed the beginning of his Atelopus breeding project. In this episode Nick gives us an update on his Atelopus balios and Atelopus barbotini breeding projects, and we also discuss how he successfully cares for an breeds Aneides aeneus (commonly known as the Green Salamander)

For more info visit www.fpwildlifepark.com

Follow Nick on Instagram @indicator_species

To support the show by becoming a Patron on Patreon, for cool AmphibiCast Merch, and for Listener Discounts on In Situ Ecosystems Vivariums visit https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

In this episode I am joined by Jay Sommers of Sandfire Dragon Ranch  and we discuss the history of Asian newt species in the hobby as well as the specialized care of the Laos Warty Newt. 

To Support the Show by becoming a Patron, purchase AmphibiCast Merch and to receive listener discounts on In Situ Ecosystems vivariums check out: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

Also, be sure to check out sandfiredragonranch.com

Tonight I am joined by fellow podcaster Fadi Naddeh of Daffy's Round Table and Daffy's Reptiles. We compare and discuss some different methods of rearing dart frog tadpoles, how Fadi got into podcasting, prolapses in Spanish Ribbed Newts, and we also discuss some of the worst dart frog enclosures we've ever seen on the internet!

Be sure to check out Fadi's Podcast Daffy's Round Table on all Podcast Players
Also follow Fadi on Instagram @daffysreptiles and his youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0vB5K2RXShdjvlLKWMbXAg

To support the show by becoming a Patron on Patreon, For cool AmphibiCast Merch, and for Listener Discounts on In Situ Ecosystems Vivariums click https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast 

Axoltols are renowned for their abilities to regenerate lost limbs. In tonight's episode I speak with Dr. Kate McCusker of the McCusker Lab about limb regeneration, growth rate, and the aging process in axolotls.

For more information visit or for a virtual tour of Kate's lab visit:
https://www.umb.edu/mccuskerlab/virtual_lab_tours
https://www.umb.edu/mccuskerlab/research_team/catherine_mccusker

For Amphibicast Gear visit: https://the-amphibicast-store.creator-spring.com/

For discounts on In Situ Ecosystem vivariums visit: https://insituecosystems.com/?ref=amphibicast

To support the show by becoming a Patron visit: https://www.patreon.com/Amphibicast

 As the dart frog hobby evolved over the past 50 years, many different species and locales came and went along with it.  However, for the longest time, we haven't had a clear picture of which species made it into the hobby, when they made it into the hobby and how they made it into the hobby. That is - up until now.

Tonight I am joined once again by Devin Edmonds and we discuss his new paper published in the Herpetological Review  titled, "Poison Frogs Traded and Maintained by US Private Breeders."  Devin made a painstaking effort to track the origins of hundreds of different dart frog species and locales, and in this week's episode we discuss his findings. If you've ever wanted to hear an origin story of species in the hobby - this is the episode you've been waiting for!

For more information visit: https://biodiversitygroup.org/staff-member/devin-edmonds/

To read the paper visit: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357577942_Poison_frogs_traded_and_maintained_by_US_private_breeders

For Amphibicast Gear visit: https://the-amphibicast-store.creator-spring.com/

For discounts on In Situ Ecosystem vivariums visit: https://insituecosystems.com/?ref=amphibicast

To support the show by becoming a Patron visit: https://www.patreon.com/Amphibicast

Tonight I am joined by Naturalist Robert Villa. 

In recent decades a phenomenon has developed around the Sonoran Desert Toad (AKA the Colorado River Toad) and the recreational use of its toxins for psychedelic purposes.  There is however, a great deal of misinformation out there regarding the topic.  So to set the record straight I am joined by Robert Villa.  Robert dispels many of the common myths associated with the species and we discuss how exploitation for its unique toxins is affecting its survival. We also discuss how the psychedelic phenomenon started (Hint- it's not how many of you think it started).

Robert is a naturalist and the president of the Tuscan Herp Society. He also has an intimate understanding of the Sonoran Desert Toad and has been a source of factual information for many publications including the New York Times.

For more information visit: https://tucsonherpsociety.org/

If you'd like to support the show, consider becoming a Patron and visit: https://www.patreon.com/Amphibicast

For listener discounts on In Situ Ecosystem vivariums click: https://insituecosystems.com/?ref=amphibicast

For Amphibicast Gear visit: https://the-amphibicast-store.creator-spring.com/

Tonight I am joined by Dr. Jason Hoverman and we discuss the effects of environmental stressors on amphibian populations.  We cover some of the different types of environmental contaminants, what the effects are from exposure, how combinations of different stressors effect tadpole behavior,  and some of the ways that amphibians can be successfully treated after exposure. 

For more information visit: https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/profile.aspx?strAlias=jhoverm

If you'd like to support the show consider becoming a Patron and visit: https://www.patreon.com/Amphibicast

For listener discounts on In Situ Ecosystem Vivariums click:
https://insituecosystems.com/?ref=amphibicast and make your purchase 

For AmphibiCast merch visit: https://the-amphibicast-store.creator-spring.com/

Social Media has become an important facet of our ever evolving society. We find news, opinions, and information at an ever increasing pace. But how do social media posts affect our perception of extinct animals? And, are posts about extinct amphibians unique in their retention? Do posts about frogs illicit a different response than mammals? (You may be surprised!) In this episode I am joined by Susan Canavan, and we discuss her research into how social media posts affect our awareness of extinction.  We discuss how social media users acted after reading a post about different extinct animals, and what role amphibians played in long term interest. 

To learn more visit:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385555085_Trending_extinctions_online_interest_in_recently_extinct_animals

This episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creations
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GrayGhostCreations

Exo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media. 

Tesorosfrogs.com is your source for responsible, ethical, and sustainable captive bred frogs and vivarium supplies. visit tesorosfrogs.com to shop 

To Support the Podcast, for merch, and vivarium discounts please visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

Tonight I am joined by Sam Sucre of Natural Tanks. Sam joins to us straight  from Panama and we discuss ending wild caught trade in favor of a more sustainable captive export trade. We also discuss Sam’s new project producing sustainably sourced red eyed tree frogs in Panama for export into the USA.   

For more information about Sam and his work please visit:
http://www.natural-tanks.com/

If you'd like to support the show consider becoming a Patron and visit: https://www.patreon.com/Amphibicast

For listener discounts on In Situ Ecosystem Vivariums click:
https://insituecosystems.com/?ref=amphibicast and make your purchase 

For AmphibiCast merch visit: https://the-amphibicast-store.creator-spring.com/

In this episode I answer some questions submitted by listeners.  I enjoy listener feedback and I thought that this episode would be a fun way to answer some common (and a few uncommon) questions about many of the topics that I cover on the podcast

For listener discounts on In Situ Vivariums visit : https://insituecosystems.com?ref=amphibicast

To support the show consider becoming a patron
https://www.patreon.com/Amphibicast

For AmphibiCast merch check out 
https://the-amphibicast-store.creator-spring.com/

Tonight I am joined by Youtuber, Mike Lardis of Slithering Salamander Scapes. Mike is a long time salamander enthusiast and an accomplished paludarium builder. We discuss some of his build methods, the importance of good water quality, and how he built a salamander room for his collection. We also discuss care points for red salamanders (pseudotriton), tiger salamanders (ambystoma) and greater sirens (siren).


Follow Mike's channel on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4oEwBR-rvWxI66vwnHQM_Q

For listener discounts on In Situ Vivariums visit : https://insituecosystems.com?ref=amphibicast

If you are enjoying the show please consider becoming a Patron and visit: https://www.patreon.com/Amphibicast

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There is current legislation under way in the US that may significantly affect our rights to work with amphibians, reptiles, birds, invertebrates and non domesticated mammals. In this special episode I am joined by USARK President -Phil Goss, and we discuss the Lacey Act Amendments in the America Competes Act of 2022, where the bill is currently, and what the effects will be if it is passed into law. Phil and I also discuss some of the misconceptions associated with the bill and how we can work responsibly together as a community to combat legislation that would damage it. 

For more information please visit usark.org

For Amphibicast Merch please visit: https://the-amphibicast-store.creator-spring.com/

If you would like to support the Podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/Amphibicast

Follow @amphibicast on instagram

Tonight I kick off the first episode of the "Salamander Series." In these episodes I will be focusing on some serious salamander subjects! Tonight I am joined again by Amphibian Foundation Co-founder, Mark Mandica who has dedicated his life towards salamander conservation. We discuss the frosted flatwoods salamander conservation project and how frosted flatwoods were bred in captivity for the first time ever at the Amphibian Foundation. 

For more information please visit amphibianfoundation.org

If you'd like to support AmphibiCast please consider becoming a patron and visit: https://www.patreon.com/Amphibicast

For cool AmphibiCast Merch please checkout: https://the-amphibicast-store.creator-spring.com/

Tonight I am joined once again by Mark Mandica -Co-founder of The Amphibian Foundation. We discuss continuing education in herpetology, and how Mark has created online and in-person college level classes that are accessible to everyone. Mark also talks to us about caecilians, Pipa pipa (commonly known as the Suriname Toad) and some upcoming classes that include a course on amphibian husbandry. 

Having taken the Master Herpetologist Course myself I can say that I was extremely satisfied with how thorough and insightful the content was. I learned a great deal from the course and I recommend it to herp enthusiasts of all levels looking to further their knowledge base.  -Dan

To find out more or to enroll in a class please visit: amphibianfoundation.org

If you would like to support AmphibiCast consider becoming a Patron and visit:
https://www.patreon.com/Amphibicast

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Bumble bee toads (Melanophryniscus) are a highly sought after species among amphibian enthusiasts. Yet, they are notorious for being only sporadically available. Thankfully tonight's guest has figured out a way to breed them both successfully and consistently. It's my pleasure to be joined tonight by Laura Abrtaham of ARTphibians LLC, and we discuss how she breeds her toads, how to care for them in captivity, and the importance of proper diet and supplementation. 

Follow Laura on Instagram @lauraslittlezoo

For Cool AmphibiCast Merch check out https://the-amphibicast-store.creator-spring.com/

Tonight I am joined by fellow dart frog enthusiast, Brandon Willis. Brandon originally started out in the plant hobby after being inspired by bonsai trees. He went on to develop his own unique style of building vivariums and then found an interest in dart frogs. Brandon is also an active National Guardsman who does many of his builds during his free time while on deployment.  We also discuss some cost effective vivarium hacks and how to source materials from places that many people overlook. 


Be sure to follow Brandon @lost.vivariums on instagram

If you'd like to support the show by becoming a Patron, please check out https://www.patreon.com/Amphibicast

For Coll AmphibiCast Merch check out https://the-amphibicast-store.creator-spring.com/

Flightless fruit flies are one of the most popular prey items for dart frogs, glass frogs, mantids, spiders, baby chameleons and more.  In this episode I run down the basics of how to culture your own flies at home, and I share some tips that I've picked up along the way.  Culturing flies can be a bit intimidating at times , especially for beginners, but it doesn't have to be! So if you are interested in keeping smaller amphibians, lizards or inverts but not sure if fruit flies are for you, give this episode a listen.

Tiny arthropods known as springtails (Collembola spp.) are popular among vivarium enthusiasts for their "cleanup crew" abilities.  We often hear about their use in “bioactive” vivariums. Tonight I am joined by entomologist, Dr. Ann Fallon and  we discuss the biology, reproduction and lifecycle of Folsomia candida.


For more information  about springtails and Dr. Fallon visit:
https://entomology.umn.edu/people/ann-fallon

If you'd like to support the show please consider becoming a patron and visit:
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This week I am joined by Nathan Hall. Nathan has decades of experience keeping and breeding herps, and in this episode, we discuss his decision to focus on dart frogs. We also take a deep dive into the last 35 years of the herp hobby, the early days of the internet, Nathan's involvement with numerous gecko projects, and his experiences as a photographer.

Be sure to check out https://www.austinvivariumstudio.com/

Exo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media. 

To Support the Podcast, for merch, and vivarium discounts please visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

In 2013 Dr. Matthew Dugas co-authored a paper about the important role that carotenoid supplementation plays in oophaga pumilio reproduction. The findings have greatly influenced captive dart frog husbandry methods for almost a decade now and most hobbyists today incorporate carotenoids into their supplementation regiments.  It is my pleasure to have Dr. Dugas as my guest this week and we discuss the paper in detail. We also discuss sophisticated pumilio parental behaviors, how egg deposition sites are chosen, and how mother pumilio are able to locate their own tadpoles. 


https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2021/03/isu-biologist-matthew-dugas-explores-early-lives-of-poison-dart-frogs/

https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=eSvU7IMAAAAJ&alert_preview_top_rm=2&citation_for_view=eSvU7IMAAAAJ:eQOLeE2rZwMC

Tonight I am pleased to be joined once again by Dr. Andrew Logan DVM.  We talk about how to identify bacterial infections in amphibians and some of the treatment options available. We also discuss what to expect during a routine health check and we finish off with a discussion on glass frog care. 

Tonight I am joined once again by Mike Tytula of Alpha Reptile. We have a good old fashioned casual conversation about what ever comes up including his trip to Costa Rica, what it was like being stung by a bullet ant,  his Ameerega breeding project, and some of the challenges that go along with creating content for youtube and podcasting.  And to all the listeners out there, we wish you an enjoyable yuletide season~


Be sure to subscribe to Mike's channel on Youtube
To check out Mike Tytula's new business visit:
www.thejunglevault.ca/

For listener discounts on In Situ Vivariums visit : https://insituecosystems.com?ref=amphibicast

If you'd like to support the show please visit:
https://www.patreon.com/Amphibicast

For cool AmphibiCast Merch check out https://the-amphibicast-store.creator-spring.com/