This week I am joined once again by Aaron Capouellez. Aaron is an amphibian conservationist and naturalist with a special interest in native Pennsylvania species. His work over the past few months culminates in a media blitz beginning this week that is aimed at visually documenting and telling the stories of some of PA's more vulnerable amphibian species. In this episode we discuss Frog Week 2023, and all the work that Aaron has put into tracking, studying, and filming native PA frogs. We discus...
Aug 04, 2023•1 hr 33 min
Manchester Museum is home to one of the most stunning vivarium exhibits in the world. Known as The Vivarium, this section of the museum houses its amphibian collection, which includes critically endangered Atelopus varius, several Cruziohyla species, Agalychnis lemur, and many more. With a focus on research, education, and conservation, The Vivarium engages the needs of endangered amphibians at a global level. This week I am joined by Acting Curator, Matthew O'Donnell and we discuss some of the ...
Jul 28, 2023•1 hr 46 min
This week I am joined by Mark Pepper of Understory Enterprises. Mark has years of experience working with dendrobatids in the field, as an importer, and as a breeder. Mark also bears the distinction of having a recently described species of frog named after him- Ameerega pepperi. In this episode Mark walks us through how he started off, exploring Peru with a team of researchers, the challenges of importing, how understory began, how he maintains hundreds of frogs, what it was like seeing excidob...
Jul 21, 2023•1 hr 43 min
It’s always important to properly research the husbandry needs of a species before we take on its care as a keeper. An understanding of the animal’s natural history, it’s captive care needs, behavior, and longevity, is vital if we are to succeed. Equally important though, (yet not always accepted) is the value of continuing our education and accepting that we are always developing as keepers. This week I am joined by Billy Sveen of Creepers Herpeteculture and we discuss his approach to proper hu...
Jul 07, 2023•1 hr 49 min
Horned frogs (Also fondly known as "Pacman Frogs" are commonly kept by both beginners and advanced hobbyists. They have relatively simple care requirements and can make a great entry level amphibian. In this episode, I run down some basic husbandry and care requirements that every pacman frog beginner should be familiar with. This week's episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creations. For unique amphibian, reptile, and arachnid art, visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/GrayGhostCreations To Support the...
Jun 30, 2023•41 min
Ameerega is arguably one of the most stunning genera of dart frogs. Although they are not as common in the hobby as dendrobates or oophaga, they are still a vibrant and interesting genus with a variety of colorful species that make a fine additional to a properly sized vivarium. This week I am joined by Canadian Hobbyist and Breeder, Sean McIntyre. Sean and I discuss Ameerega as a genus, and some of the of the species and locales of Ameerega that he currently works with. We dispel some misconcep...
Jun 16, 2023•1 hr 20 min
This week I am joined by Steve Reyes. Steve is a fellow dart frog keeper with decades of experience in the amphibian and reptile hobbies. Within the past few years, though Steve has narrowed his focus towards working with large obligates and he keeps and breeds several species and locales. In this episode, Steve walks us through his approach to successfully maintaining and breeding these sensitive species. We talk about enclosure setup, caring for neonates, and his supplementation routine. Steve...
Jun 09, 2023•2 hr 6 min
Aposematism and chemical defense are common traits among many species of amphibian. California Newts, Dart frogs, and Fire Bellied Toads are prime examples. But, if we look at the three, we notice that not all are colored equally despite all being toxic. California newts and some species of dart frog for example, both produce lethal toxins; but why is one brightly colored all over and why is one brightly colored on its underside only? Is aposematism a better adaptation than camouflage and if so ...
May 26, 2023•1 hr 10 min
Keeping amphibians and reptiles enriches the lives of millions of people world-wide. According to the National Institute of Health, "Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood." (1) In addition, it should also be noted that private hobbyists and other entities maintaining captive amphibians have cont...
May 19, 2023•1 hr 50 min
This week I am joined by Crystal Mandica of the Amphibian Foundation. Crystal is co-founder, Director of Education, and Collections Manager of almost 600 amphibians at the Amphibian Foundation. In this weeks episode, we discuss what it takes to manage such a large operation day to day. We also talk about the value of education and community outreach, running a critter camp for young people interested in reptiles and amphibians, and how the AF grew from a small conservation project in Crystal and...
May 05, 2023•1 hr 13 min
Film is an art unto itself and in this episode I chat with Simon "Si" Harper and Aura Manjarrez about their upcoming project -creating a nature documentary about the bolitoglossa genus of salamanders. We discuss Si's science background and his interest in bolitoglossa as well as Aura's film making background. We also discuss some of the challenges that go along with making a film and what their goals are once production begins. To find out more and to support the documentary visit https://www.go...
Apr 28, 2023•1 hr 10 min
In this episode I sit down with Carlos Galvis, Chris Buttermore, and Jack Small. We discuss the unique challenges facing wild Oophaga Lehmanni, the work that Cali Zoo is doing to maintain assurance colonies, and their work releasing frogs into back the wild. Wild lehmanni are arguably much more fragile than their captive counterparts and pose special husbandry challenges in an assurance colony. We talk about how Cali Zoo came into possession of their founding stock, the work that it takes to dev...
Apr 21, 2023•1 hr 13 min
This week we continue the AmphibiCast Artist Series with Laura Airey Le. Laura works with colored pencil to create stunning drawings of a myriad of species including arachnids, reptiles, and dart frogs.
Apr 07, 2023•1 hr 46 min
Have you ever been to a zoo or aquarium and marveled at the artistry of each enclosure or exhibit? Well, each one of them starts with an artist and an idea. This week I am joined by professional artist Ron Rundo. Ron specializes in creating zoo quality enclosures and epoxy backgrounds that are both visually stunning and incredibly functional. Ron designs, sculpts and paints each piece by hand with exceptional attention to detail. In this episode, we discuss why Ron chose to work almost exclusive...
Mar 31, 2023•1 hr 37 min
This week I am joined by Dr. Gary Bucciarelli. Gary is a researcher with decades of amphibian experience and in this episode we discuss the effects of UVB on wild oophaga pumilio, as well as the unique natural history (and incredible toxicity) of the California newt. To learn more about Gary's research visit: http://www.garybucciarelli.org/ To Support the podcast by becoming a Patron, for merch, a 10% discount off of an In Situ Ecosystems vivarium, and to support dart frog conservation through t...
Mar 24, 2023•1 hr 17 min
This week I am joined once again by veterinarian, Dr. Robert “Oz” Ossiboff. In this episode we dive deeper into amphibian medicine and examine several real life cases that include metabolic bone disease, nematode infections, chytrid, entamoeba, mycobacteriosis and more! We discuss the disease processes for each, diagnostics, treatments and real life outcomes. To learn more visit https://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/profile/ossiboff-robert/ To support the podcast, for merch, for a 10 % listener discount of...
Mar 10, 2023•1 hr 44 min
This week I am joined by Cristie Alleman of Cristie’s Ranitomeya. We talk about her breeding projects, and why she chose to begin her journey into frogs with Ranitomeya. To support to the show be becoming a Patron, for a 10% discount off of an In Situ Ecosystems vivarium, for merch, and to support dart frog conservation through the Active Conservation Alliance, visit https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast Be sure to follow Cristie’s Ranitomeya on Instagram and Facebook...
Mar 03, 2023•50 min
As the frog hobby and other exotic hobbies progress into the digital age, more and more people are falling victim to online scams. Both buyers and sellers face unique challenges when it comes to online animal and dry good sales, but how do we identify a scam and how do we avoid them? Helping me tackle this week's topic is Bill Strand. Bill is the host of the Reptile Entrepreneur Podcast and has decades of experience as a vendor, buyer, and all around business person. We discuss how scams affect ...
Feb 24, 2023•1 hr 38 min
Frogs and toads (and salamanders too!) are known for their unique feeding mechanisms. Many species rely on their tongues to capture and ingest prey but did you know that there is so much more involved than just the tongue? This week I am joined by Rachael Keeffe and we discuss her new paper on the feeding mechanics of the cane toad (Rhynella marina). Using sophisticated XROMM technology, Rachael was able to witness a never before seen process involving not only the toad's tongue but other parts ...
Feb 17, 2023•1 hr 22 min
One of the most common questions that amphibian keepers have is, how do I provide proper supplemental heat to my enclosure? In this episode I discuss some of different methods and equipment that are effective at providing additional heat when it is needed. This week's episode is sponsored by the Active Conservation Alliance. The ACA is a conservation effort with a special interest in dart frogs. To get involved visit: https://activeconservationalliance.org/ For a 10% listener discount off of an ...
Feb 10, 2023•30 min
This week I am joined by Jack Small and we discuss his recent trip to Colombia and Cali Zoo, some takeaways from this passed American Frog Day, our 2023 frog room goals and much more. This week's episode is sponsored by the Active Conservation Alliance. The ACA is a conservation effort with a special interest in dart frogs. To get involved visit: https://activeconservationalliance.org/ For a 10% listener discount off of an In Situ Ecosystems vivarium, for Amphibicast Merch or to become a Patron ...
Feb 03, 2023•1 hr 3 min
One of the largest and most unique looking frogs available to hobbyists is Phyllomedusa bicolor (also known as the giant monkey frog or waxy monkey treefrog). This week I am joined by Mike Novy, and we discuss the care and proper husbandry of the species, and we also discuss it's history in the amphibian hobby dating back to the early 1990's. Phyllomedusa bicolor is an incredible species for intermediate to advanced keepers, and if you are looking to venture into their care, this is the episode ...
Jan 27, 2023•1 hr 51 min
This three part series focuses on the past, present and future of Tesoros de Colombia. In this week's episode (Part 3) we talk about the future. I am joined by Ivan and Michael Heinrichs, and we discuss the future projects underway at Tesoros de Colombia, including the creation of the Active Conservation Alliance. For more information visit: https://tesorosdecolombia.com/ and https://activeconservationalliance.org/ To Support the Podcast by becoming a Patron, for Merch, and for a 10% listener di...
Jan 20, 2023•1 hr 4 min
This three part series focuses on the past, present and future of Tesoros de Colombia. In this week's episode (Part 2) we talk about the present. I am joined by Ivan and Julio Rodriguez and we discuss the current projects underway at Tesoros de Colombia, what went into the very first export, dealing with CITES and Fish and Wildlife inspections, how frogs are shipped safely, and how the market varies based on species availability. For more information visit: https://tesorosdecolombia.com/ and htt...
Jan 13, 2023•1 hr 19 min
One of the greatest concerns facing wild amphibians today is poaching. Poaching and Illegal trade not only put amphibian populations at risk from over collection, they also jeopardize conservation efforts by competing with legal trade. Seized shipments of illegal frogs often have nowhere to go, finding responsible sustainable sources to supply hobbyists is a challenge, and captive reintroduction programs are often few and far between. Every problem must have a solution though... -And the solutio...
Jan 06, 2023•1 hr 26 min
One of the best things about podcasting is being able to chat with like-minded people about the things you enjoy most. 2022 has been a great year for the Podcast and as the year comes to an end, I'd like to thank all my guests and listeners for the support. In this special holiday episode, I am joined once again by Mike Tytula and we talk about the reptile and amphibian hobbies, the challenges that go along with creating content, his newly imported oophaga histrionica, and what it's like to be t...
Dec 16, 2022•1 hr 35 min
In this weeks episode I run down 10 common mistakes made by beginners in the dart frog hobby. For Patreon, Merch, and a 10 percent discount off an In situ ecosystems vivarium visit - https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast
Dec 09, 2022•40 min
For the past few decades, Chytrid has had a profound effect on amphibian populations worldwide. In Panama, species within the Atelopus genus have been particularly effected. Thankfully though, new strategies are being developed to mitigate disease. This week I am joined by Brian Gratwicke of the Smithsonian National Zoo and the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project . Brian is also the Co-Chair of the IUCN amphibian disease specialist group. We discuss some of the strategies being deve...
Dec 02, 2022•1 hr 12 min
As amphibian medicine continues to advance, so has our understanding of what constitutes proper captive husbandry. practices. Both hobbyists and conservationists place tremendous value in the lives of their frogs and both will often (if not always) look for answers when death or illness present in their collections. Since many amphibian illnesses cannot be detected by the naked eye, in these cases we must rely on a pathologist to help us find out the answers. This week I am honored to be joined ...
Nov 23, 2022•1 hr 38 min
This week I am joined once again by Josh Allen. Josh has years of experience as a guide and naturalist in Peru, and he has a special interest in poison frogs. We discuss some of the impacts that habitat destruction and gold mining have on Peruvian Dendrobatids within the Cordillera Sira, his encounters with some of the rarer species of ranitomeya, and how to identify suitable wild ranitomeya habitat. We also talk about the importance that a certain type of soil plays in the lives of wild poison ...
Nov 18, 2022•1 hr 33 min
