Conservation efforts of Kihansi spray toad Nectophrynoides asperginis: its discovery, captive breeding, extinction in the wild and re-introduction

Authors

  • Cuthbert Nahonyo University of Dar es Salaam, Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation
  • Ezekiel Goboro University of Dar es Salaam, Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation
  • Wilirk Ngalason University of Dar es Salaam, Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation
  • Severinus Mutagwaba Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute
  • ichard Ugomba University of Dar es Salaam, Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation
  • Mohammed Nassoro University of Dar es Salaam, Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation
  • Emmanuel Nkombe University of Dar es Salaam, Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation

Keywords:

Kihansi spray toad, extinction, reintroduction

Abstract

Species conservation depends on the initiatives to restore or retain and sustainably use the environment in which the species live. This paper highlights how development projects can affect biodiversity conservation and the challenges in achieving sustainable development. The paper discusses a case study of the Kihansi Spray Toad (KST) (Nectophrynoides asperginis) from its discovery, extinction in the wild, captive breeding and subsequent reintroduction to its native habitat; focusing on events, challenges, approaches in addressing issues, future prospects and achievements in the conservation of this endemic species. There has been considerable success in KST husbandry in captivity and reintroduction trials of the toad to the wild while concurrently the operations of the hydropower plant and the catchment ecosystem services have continued to provide electricity for domestic & industrial development and support human livelihoods respectively. The paper underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approach in addressing conservation problems and the need for serious commitment of participating parties, but also on the need to balance conservation with sustainable development.

Key words: Kihansi spray toad, extinction, reintroduction,

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Published

31-12-2017

How to Cite

Nahonyo, C., Goboro, E. ., Ngalason, W. ., Mutagwaba, S. ., Ugomba, ichard, Nassoro, M. ., & Nkombe, E. . (2017). Conservation efforts of Kihansi spray toad Nectophrynoides asperginis: its discovery, captive breeding, extinction in the wild and re-introduction. Tanzania Journal of Science, 43(1), 23–35. Retrieved from https://tjs.udsm.ac.tz/index.php/tjs/article/view/259

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Articles