Amphibian

Study on the preference of the Dybowski’s frog (Rana dybowskii) for different covering shelter

Optimizing shelter design is essential for improving the welfare and husbandry practices of Dybowski’s frog (Rana dybowskii). This study examined shelter preferences by testing variables such as material, size, shape, color, height, and tunnel structure. The results revealed distinct behavioral...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Amphibian, Frog & Toad

Citation: Wang, M., Li, Y., Hu, N. et al. 2026. Study on the preference of the Dybowski’s frog (Rana dybowskii) for different covering shelter. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 29(1), 176–187.

Beyond single metrics: Multi-parameter home-cage monitoring improves welfare assessment

Single outcome measures often fall short of the sensitivity and objectivity expected under European Directive 2010/63, particularly in fast progressing disease models. To address this gap, the German Research Foundation consortium FOR2591 collated data from 55 routinely used models in...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Amphibian, Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Frog & Toad, Gibbon, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Mouse, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Pig, Rat, Rodent, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Talbot, S. R., Tolba, R. H., Bleich, A. 2026. Beyond single metrics: Multi-parameter home-cage monitoring improves welfare assessment. Laboratory Animals 60(1), 20–24.

Advancing animal welfare: A natural mating protocol for Xenopus laevis

The amphibian Xenopus laevis is an alternative animal model for developmental biology and toxicology. The Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus (FETAX) stands as a validated test for ecotoxicology and chemical hazard characterization. Conventionally, fertilized eggs are obtained through adult hormonal injection....

Year Published: 2025Topics: ReproductionAnimal Type: Amphibian, Frog & Toad

Citation: Menegola, E., Di Renzo, F., Bacchetta, R. et al. 2025. Advancing animal welfare: A natural mating protocol for Xenopus laevis. Laboratory Animals 59(6), 722–726.

Photo-based individual identification is more reliable than visible implant elastomer tags or toe-tipping in young agile frogs

In amphibian capture-recapture studies, commonly used individual-identification methods include toe clipping as well as less invasive alternatives of varying cost. Yet, choosing the best method for a study is challenging, because both the reliability for identification and the severity of...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Identification MethodAnimal Type: Amphibian, Frog & Toad

Citation: Nemesházi, E., Ujhegyi, N., Mikó, Z. et al. 2026. Photo-based individual identification is more reliable than visible implant elastomer tags or toe-tipping in young agile frogs. PLOS ONE 21(2), e0342340.

Identification and validation of operational pain indicators in anurans

Amphibian welfare, particularly pain assessment in anurans, remains understudied despite their ecological and biomedical significance. This study aimed to identify and validate operational pain indicators for adult anurans under professional care. A four-phase approach was used: a systematic literature review,...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Emotion, Pain, & Sentience, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Amphibian, Frog & Toad

Citation: González, S., Caiozzi, A., Cabeza, O. et al. 2025. Identification and Validation of Operational Pain Indicators in Anurans. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens 6(4).

Towards more compassionate wildlife research through the 3Rs principles: Moving from invasive to noninvasive methods

Research in ecology and wildlife biology remains crucial for increasing our knowledge and improving species management and conservation in the midst of the current biodiversity crisis. However, obtaining information on population status often involves invasive sampling of a certain number...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Identification Method, RestraintAnimal Type: All/General, Amphibian, Crocodile & Alligator, Fish, Frog & Toad, Lizard, Nonhuman Primate, Other Animal, Other Fish, Reptile, Salamander, Snake, Turtle & Tortoise

Citation: Zemanova, M. A. 2020. Towards more compassionate wildlife research through the 3Rs principles: Moving from invasive to noninvasive methods. Wildlife Biology 2020(1), no page numbers.

The effect of shelter on oxidative stress and aggressive behavior in crested newt larvae (Triturus spp.)

Shelters are important for animal survival. Provision of adequate hiding places allow animals to express their natural sheltering behavior and it can have different positive effects on cortisol levels, physiological processes and mental performance. Although the absence of a refuge...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Amphibian, Salamander

Citation: Petrović, T. G., Vučić, T. Z., Nikolić, S. Z. et al. 2020. The effect of shelter on oxidative stress and aggressive behavior in crested newt larvae (Triturus spp.). Animals 10(4), 603.

Behavioral diversity as a potential indicator of positive animal welfare

Modern day zoos and aquariums continuously assess the welfare of their animals and use evidence to make informed management decisions. Historically, many of the indicators of animal welfare used to assess the collection are negative indicators of welfare, such as...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Natural Behavior, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: All/General, Amphibian, Nonhuman Primate, Reptile

Citation: Miller, L. J., Vicino, G. A., Sheftel, J. et al. 2020. Behavioral diversity as a potential indicator of positive animal welfare. Animals 10(7), 1211.

Evaluation of effective and practical euthanasia methods for larval African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis)

Larval, or tadpole-stage Xenopus laevis frogs are a popular research model for developmental biology and disease studies. Existing euthanasia guidance documents offer recommendations for both eggs and adult stages, yet do not specifically address the larval stage. Data evaluating effective...

Year Published: 2020Topics: EuthanasiaAnimal Type: Amphibian, Frog & Toad

Citation: Galex, I. A., Gallant, C. M., D'Avignon, N. et al. 2020. Evaluation of effective and practical euthanasia methods for larval African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis). JAALAS 59(3), 269–274.

Quantitative and qualitative behavioral measurements to assess pain in axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Effective pain relief in animals relies on the ability to discern pain and assess its severity. However, few objective measures exist to assess the presence and severity of pain in axolotls, and few resources are available regarding drugs and appropriate...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Amphibian, Salamander

Citation: Llaniguez, J. T., Szczepaniak, M. A., Rickman, B. H. et al. 2020. Quantitative and qualitative behavioral measurements to assess pain in axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum). JAALAS 59(2), 186–196.