Morphological Description of Spindly Leg Syndrome in Golden Mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Amphibian populations are declining internationally, making captive propagation a critical part of conserving species (Stuart et al., 2008). Amphibian declines are attributed to several factors, including epidemics caused by the spread of pathogens such as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Berger et al., 1998; Pessier et al., 1999; Skerratt et al., 2007). Habitat destruction and unregulated collection of aesthetically pleasing species for the pet trade also contribute to the decline of amphibian populations, such as that of the Madagascan golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) (Andreone et al., 2008). Although habitat preservation can be time-consuming and impeded by politics and a lack of enforcement agencies, captive breeding efforts provide an immediate option for species maintenance and survival. Captive propagation can help conservation biologists build assurance colonies in situ or ex situ...