This section outlines some information in regards to Amphibians in care.  The most common species in Weipa would be the

 

• Common Green Tree Frog 

 

Housing 

Frogs obtained from different sites should be kept isolated from each other and from other captive species. 

Frog enclosures should: 

• be suitable to the size of the animal; 

• be escape-proof and secure; 

• have smooth sides; 

• contain solid non-transparent sides; 

• be kept away from noise and pollutants; 

• contain cage furniture which is non-abrasive and can be easily disinfected; 

• be maintained at an ambient temperature between 15-25°C; 

• contain adequate volumes of fresh water. Follow experienced carer and veterinary advice on water provision and depth, as this will vary depending on injury and illness; 

• provide the animal with access to both water and dampness (depending on injury); 

• provide the animal with access to land or terrestrial substrate. Follow experienced carer and veterinary advice on cage substrate and furniture, as this will vary depending on injury / illness and species (arboreal or terrestrial). 

 

Feeding 

Food should only be provided when constant warmth is maintained, as this is required for full digestion to occur. Many frogs will go into aestivation (short hibernation) in captivity during the colder months and do not require much food at all. 

In the wild, frogs feed on a variety of insects, such as flies, moths, slaters, beetles cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, ants, caterpillars and termites. They will also eat spiders and centipedes. In captivity, it is best to maintain this diet wherever possible. This diet, if unavailable may be replaced with mealworms and earthworms. 

It is best to feed frogs in a separate tub to prevent contamination of the main enclosure with food. The frog is simply transferred into the feeding tub and several food items are added. The frog should be left alone during this feeding time to ensure that it can feed without disturbance. Frogs will usually feed within 15 minutes after which they should be placed back into the clean main enclosure. The size of food items offered should be approximately the distance between their eyes or smaller. This is a safe guide to prey size. Frogs require their prey items to be moving in order to detect its presence. Feeding from tweezers is not recommended because tweezers can be sharp and cause punctures to the frog. 

If the frog is not self feeding it can be force fed small amounts frequently. This procedure should only be attempted under experienced carer supervision. 

Water 

Water used for frog housing should not be chlorinated and should come from a clean source (i.e. from a rainwater tank). The water in the enclosure should be cleaned and replaced regularly. If the water is not clean the frog may refuse to use it and it can quickly succumb to dehydration. Additionally, polluted water is directly absorbed into the skin and can deteriorate the frogs health. 

Water should always be provided for the frog to submerge in to keep its skin moist; this can be as simple as a bowl of water in the enclosure. Frogs die very quickly when dehydrated or over-heated. However, ensure that you consult with an experienced carer or veterinary about the volume of water that you provide to the animal. 

 

 

It is important that the pH of the water is maintained at 7, which is neutral. Ph imbalance can cause fungal diseases or other health risks in amphibians 

 

Handling 

Care must be taken when holding amphibians as they are delicate and chemicals are readily absorbed through their skin. It is essential handlers have clean hands (washed without soap) or wear clean unused rubber gloves when handling amphibians. 

Frogs can generally be held by the body and should not be picked up by their head or limbs. They are generally scared of humans and will try and hop or climb out of grip. 

Handling of animals should be kept to a minimum to avoid risk of injury, stress and to reduce the risk of negative contamination from our hands which may cause rehabilitation and release to be less successful. 

 

Transportation 

Transport should be somewhere dark such as a cloth bag (damp at all times), plastic bag or cardboard box and for long trips frogs must be kept moist. Lids of containers must be relatively tight but made out of soft breathable material as frogs may hop and injure their heads. Frogs are also excellent at escaping and can squeeze out of small gaps. 

Frogs should be kept at temperatures between 15 and 20ºC and out of direct sunlight during transportation and handling. 

 

 

Disease and pests 

Globally, amphibians are declining rapidly due to a fungal disease called Chytridiomycosis (Chytrid disease). Before releasing amphibians where they could potentially spread this disease, amphibians should be assessed by a veterinarian. Chytridiomycosis can be diagnosed in live frogs by the microscopic analysis of preserved toe clips from the shedded skin samples (NPWS 2005). 

Due to the possibilities of diseases and health conditions presenting with similar symptoms and signs veterinary consultation and senior carer advice / direction should always be sought.