Why Zoos Matter Part 2 - Kihansi Spray Toads

There are species that are extinct in the wild that wouldn't exist today if not for zoos taking action. The plan is usually to reintroduce the species, when conditions are appropriate.

Some species that have been reintroduced, thanks to zoos and conservation programs include: Spix's Macaw, Przewalski's Wild Horses, Scimitar-Horned Oryx, Greater Bilbies, and many others.

The Kihansi Spray Toad is tiny, and seemingly no different from many other cute little toads and frogs. But, it's unique. It is endemic to ONE waterfall in Tanzania. They lived in a 5-acre area by the Kihansi Waterfall and the mist of the waterfall is part of what makes this toad special. They thrived in the spray and instead of laying eggs, as most amphibians do, Kihansis give birth to live babies who survive in the mist, since there wasn't standing water, needed for egg development.

A hydroelectric dam was built on the river and the human needs impacted the environment of the Kihansi Spray Toad. The Toads were taken into account and a misting system was installed, but it took too long and the species had declined. Thankfully, the Tanzanian government invited WCS to collect 500 toads to start a conservation population. The Toledo Zoo and the Bronx Zoo now have booming populations of Kihansi Spray Toads AND many toads have been successfully reintroduced. The insurance population (in zoos) is over 12,000 with more breeding all the time, and the wild population is estimated to be between 50 and 100 individuals.

Reintroduction can be a slow process due to the toads needing to adapt, reproduce, and the real threats of predators and fungus.

This is why we are proud to support zoos. In the Reptile House (where there are also amphibians!) we have been delighted to meet keepers who work on this project. They are remarkable individuals. Here's info about the Bronx Zoo's efforts.

One of the special things about having a familiar zoo is we get to see changes. Recently, the keepers redesigned the Kihansi Spray habitat and it's AMAZING! Now, there is a simulated waterfall mist and you can see the toads clinging to the rocks as they would in Tanzania. A keeper even showed us the differences in male and females in their behavior.

Here's a photo of the new exhibit. We had always liked looking at these teeny tiny toads, but now, with the new exhibit, we have made friends with these adorable amphibians.

How tiny are they? Females can grow to 2.9 cm and males 1.9 cm, so they are little. Babies are SO small that even though they are sometimes in the exhibit, we have a hard time spotting them.

This little toad said hello to us one day!

Thank you to everyone who has saved this species and we applaud all the conservation efforts and hope that we can all make more choices to help our animal friends around the world.