Memphis Zoo

The Memphis Zoological Society, in partnership with Mississippi State University, the Fort Worth Zoo, and other collaborators, will develop innovative assisted reproductive technologies for salamanders that will aid in their conservation and management. It is estimated that nearly one-third of known amphibian species are threatened with extinction worldwide, and zoos and government organizations are rapidly establishing captive colonies as a response to this amphibian crisis. However, many of these species are failing to reproduce in captivity and are in imminent danger of extinction. This project will address the challenge of captive reproduction and lead to more secure colonies of amphibians, often viewed as indicator species for environmental health because of their dependence on a mix of aquatic and terrestrial habitats.