Sperm output and body condition are maintained independently of hibernation in an endangered temperate amphibian
Sinlan Poo
A D , Kristin M. Hinkson A D , Edward Stege B and Kimberly A. Terrell A C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Research and Conservation, Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112, USA.
B US Fish and Wildlife Services, Leadville National Fish Hatchery, 2846 Highway 300, Leadville, CO 80461, USA.
C Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA.
D Corresponding authors. Emails: sheilapoo@gmail.com; kmhinkson14@gmail.com
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 31(4) 796-804 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD18073
Submitted: 22 February 2018 Accepted: 13 November 2018 Published: 5 December 2018
Abstract
Hibernation is an integral part of the life history of species living in seasonal environments. However, our knowledge about the link between hibernation and reproductive success in amphibians remains limited, which poses an obstacle for critical conservation efforts. To fill this gap, we quantified the effects of captive hibernation on sperm quality, sperm quantity and body condition in an endangered anuran, the Wyoming toad (Anaxyrus baxteri), and used naturally hibernated wild toads as a standard for comparison. We hypothesised that hibernation is essential for optimal sperm output but is detrimental to body condition. Sperm collection was performed using assisted reproductive technologies for both captive and wild toads. Contrary to our hypotheses, no differences were observed in sperm metrics (total number of cells, concentration, motility and viability) or in body condition across captive treatment groups (0, 30 or 60 days of hibernation). Moreover, no difference was found between sperm metrics of captive toads and wild toads. These unexpected findings suggest that hibernation may not be an essential process for spermiation in A. baxteri while using exogenous hormones, and illustrate the potential of temperate amphibians to adapt to varying environmental conditions during winter months.
Additional keywords: Anura, Anaxyrus baxteri, assisted reproductive technology, bufonidae, captive breeding, conservation.
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