Frog & Toad

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.

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.

Behavioral Biology of Laboratory Animals

This 30-chapter volume informs students and professionals about the behavioral biology of animals commonly housed in laboratory and other captive settings. Each species evolved under specific environmental conditions, resulting in unique behavioral patterns, many of which are maintained in captivity...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Animal Training, Environmental Enrichment, Handling, Housing, Human-Animal Interaction, Husbandry & Management, Natural Behavior, Rearing & Weaning, Social Housing & Companionship, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: All/General, Amphibian, Baboon, Capuchin, Cat, Cattle, Chicken, Crocodile & Alligator, Dog, Equine, Ferret, Finch, Fish, Fowl, Frog & Toad, Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Lizard, Macaque, Marmoset, Mouse, Nonhuman Primate, Other Rodent, Owl Monkey, Pig, Rabbit, Rat, Reptile, Rodent, Salamander, Sheep, Snake, Squirrel Monkey, Turtle & Tortoise, Vervet (African Green Monkey), Zebrafish

Citation: Coleman, K., Schapiro, S. J. (Eds.) 2022. Behavioral Biology of Laboratory Animals (1st Ed.). CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 560 p.

Effectiveness, safety, and pharmacokinetics of meloxicam formulations in African-clawed frogs, Xenopus laevis

Pain management in amphibians is an emerging field of veterinary medicine with only a limited number of analgesics studied for their efficacy. The African-clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, is a popular animal model in research due to its oocyte morphology and...

Year Published: 2024Topics: AnalgesiaAnimal Type: Amphibian, Frog & Toad

Citation: Leung, G., Diaz, L. L., Monette, S. et al. 2024. Effectiveness, safety, and pharmacokinetics of meloxicam formulations in African-clawed frogs, Xenopus laevis. Comparative Medicine 74(5), 336–343.

Guidance on the transport of laboratory animals

Report of the Transport Working Group established by the Laboratory Animal Science Association (LASA)

Year Published: 2005Topics: Relocation & TransportAnimal Type: Amphibian, Cat, Dog, Ferret, Frog & Toad, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Macaque, Marmoset, Mouse, Nonhuman Primate, Pig, Rabbit, Rat, Rodent, Salamander

Citation: Swallow, J., Anderson, D., Buckwell, A. C. et al. 2005. Guidance on the transport of laboratory animals. Laboratory Animals 39(1), 1-39.