About the Project:

Comprised of an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, the Republic of the Philippines has one of the highest rates of amphibian endemism on the planet; 79% of the Republic's species of amphibians are found nowhere else in the world[1].  This biodiversity hotspot is currently under threat, as 46% of the amphibian species of the Philippines have been declared at-risk of extinction[2].

As with other areas of the world with rapid development, the Philippines is experiencing the conversion of wild areas to urbanized settings and large-scale agriculture.  The effects of such alteration of the ecosystem are felt much more quickly on an island; the reduction of suitable habitat has resulted in pressure on Philippine amphibians that is compounded by the effects of climate change. A study found that the highly virulent disease Chytridiomycosis was present in the Philippines in 2008 and spread quickly; at a locality in Luzon showed that nearly 75% of individuals tested were infected[3]. The disease can be difficult to defeat; although infected frogs can be successfully treated, once they are released back to the wild, they are vulnerable for reinfection.  One of the more popular conservation methods in use is to develop local ex-situ breeding programs, which involves taking several individuals of at-risk species from the wild, testing them to ensure they are free of Chytrid, and then keeping them in terrariums that attempt to mimic appropriate habitat conditions. The terrariums are kept in a biosecure area, and there are extensive sterilization measures in place to ensure that Chytrid and other diseases cannot be brought into the room where the breeding program is taking place.

I am relocating to Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, to develop a pilot ex-situ program at the campus. The project will focus on enticing endemic species of the genus Platymantis (Family Ceratobatrachidae) to breed in captivity. Four species, Platymantis luzonensis, P. mimulus, P. corrugatus, and P. dorsalis will be collected for this captive breeding study.  The genus Platymantis was chosen because in addition to conservation issues, there is much to be learned about the life cycle of Platymantis frogs.  

All four species of Platymantis chosen for this project are endemic to the island of Luzon.  P. luzonensis and P. mimulus are listed by the IUCN as “Near Threatened”.  P. corrugatus and P. dorsalis are currently not listed at threatened by the IUCN; however, they are listed as having a population trend of “decreasing”.  This project aims to anticipate and offset what is likely to be a continuing decrease in population, especially as the Philippines continues to develop.

These funds will be used for two purposes: (1) setup materials and ongoing maintenance ($3,000) and (2) a stipend for one academic year for one undergraduate student to assist me with the project ($2,500 USD).  **No funds will be used for a personal stipend for myself**.

Upon arrival, I will purchase the materials for the housing setups for the project- twenty 10-gallon glass tanks, with lids; two metal shelving units, and fluorescent lighting. These materials have already been sourced from local businesses in Los Baños.  The permanent enclosures will contain a facsimile of natural habitats, including plants, substrate, and artificial misting system to simulate natural rain cycles.  The animals will be fed daily with appropriate sized prey items supplemented with veterinary-grade calcium and vitamin powder.  Every animal will be measured and weighed weekly, and growth data will be recorded.  After an acclimation period, the frogs will by “cycled” to breed utilizing artificial manipulation of temperature and humidity to create conditions similar to the rainy season; this method is used by zoos and conservation centers around the world and is highly effective in inducing breeding behavior in many species of frogs.

Very few additional costs will be incurred for the field trips to collect the animals, as I already own much of the field equipment needed for collection of the animals, such as thermometers and hygrometers, as well as a GPS unit to record the location of the collection sites.  As I have already secured the source of necessary materials for my project, I should have the facility set up by the end of August, 2015.

After the facility setup, I will conduct field work throughout the month of September 2015 with interested students to locate the target species.  The collected individuals will be housed separately in plastic terraria in a quarantine area for one month; during that time they will be tested for the presence of Chytrid. Animals that test positive for Chytrid will be treated using an antifungal.  Once all animals are clear of Chytrid, they will be moved into the permanent enclosures in October 2015, and breeding attempts will begin.

I am confident that with your help, this pilot project will be a success; after this initial phase, plans will be made to expand it to other species of endangered Philippine amphibians. During this project, I will be training undergraduate and graduate students at UPLB on the proper methods of the long-term maintenance of this ex-situ project, so that it will be successfully transferred to UPLB staff and students upon the completion of my Fulbright award.