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Color admiration in the zoo: Toads flash yellow in love!
A current study at Schönbrunn Zoo in Hietzing examines the color change of black-scarred toads during mating in order to avoid mismatches.
Color admiration in the zoo: Toads flash yellow in love!
Zoological research at Vienna's Schönbrunn Zoo has taken up an exciting topic: the color changes of black-scarred toads during the breeding season are the focus of a current study. During the one to two day spawning period, the males turn from an inconspicuous brown to a bright yellow. This striking coloration plays a crucial role in preventing mismatches and recognizing potential mates in a highly competitive situation. Courier reports that males quickly cling to females to secure their chances of reproduction.
The study was carried out in the toads' natural environment and relies on innovative 3D toad models - brown specimens represent the females, while yellow ones represent the males. It is noticeable that the males clutched the brown models significantly more often. This shows that the yellow coloration enables quick differentiation between females and competing males, which is particularly advantageous during the hectic spawning season.
Fascination of color changes
Why is this color change so important? To survive in nature, amphibians such as black-scarred toads have had to develop strategies to ensure reproduction despite facing a variety of predators. Loud Federal Nature Conservation Association The eggs and larvae of amphibians are the target of numerous predators, from insect larvae to fish and water birds. A high proportion of offspring is essential because only a fraction of eggs and larvae reach sexual maturity.
The research at Schönbrunn Zoo follows on from previous studies that revealed in 2022 that the color change is triggered by stress hormones. In the current study, the function of this signal during the natural spawning process will be examined in more detail. This could provide valuable information about the reproductive strategies of amphibians and contribute to the conservation of this fascinating group of animals.
The importance of natural habitats
The research not only has scientific value, but also sheds light on the importance of natural habitats for amphibian populations. Waters with a rich structural diversity not only offer protection for the amphibians, but also suitable growth for the tadpoles, which feed on algae, fish droppings and plant remains. In fish-free waters, the rearing conditions for tadpoles are more optimized and they can better protect themselves from predators.
Overall, the research shows how important it is to preserve amphibians' natural habitats while better understanding their reproductive patterns. The Vienna Zoo Schönbrunn study not only provides insights into the color changing mechanisms of black-scarred toads, but also continues to demonstrate the relevance of these fascinating animals in our ecosystem.