AmphibiCast

The genus Oophga is unique and complex. Central American species (O. pumilio for example ) are fairly well known to researchers. However, knowledge of the larger Colombian obligates such as Lehmanni, is limited. In this episode I sit down with Chris Buttermore and we discuss his recent publication: "The Former Lehmanni–Histrionica Species Complex: A Review of the Evolution, Natural History, and Conservation of the Large Colombian Oophaga (Family: Dendrobatidae)" Chris' full review of the literature provides a robust account of what its known about Colombian oophaga including behavior, toxicity, aggression, microhabitat, taxonomy, the significance of blue morphs and much more. 
We also go on to discuss Chris' work with the Amphibian Foundation, The King School project, Zoo Cali's work, and upcoming research
To learn more about the research discussed in this episode visit:
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7159/6/3/113
https://citylifestyle.com/articles/king-students-with-global-impact
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00435-025-00745-z.pdf

In this episode I am joined by Julio Rodriguez and Braxton Griffith. We discuss their observations of wild dart frogs during a recent trip to Colombia, the logistics of navigating the different wild habitats, finding frogs in fragmented forest patches, and staying hydrated in the field.  We go on to discuss common sense frog room safety topics, dealing with stressed frogs, and much more. 
This episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creations
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GrayGhostCreations

Exo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media. 
Be sure to follow @dartfrogs and @froghousetropics

In order to become better stewards of the natural world, it's vital that we understand how important data from the amphibian hobby can be. As amphibian keepers, we can play an important role in conservation and resource management. By interpreting and understanding trade patterns, we can engage stakeholders and policy makers and make decisions based in science and facts.
This week I am joined by Sam Sucre and Devin Edmonds and we discuss their new paper, "Tracking the hidden trade of non-native pet amphibians in the United States" In this episode we discuss 20 years of import data, trends in pricing, the nitty gritty of which species were imported and why, and how trade effects the countries of origin as well as hobbyists in the US. 
To read and share the paper discussed in this episode, visit:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320726000224
And as a supplemental please check out Devin's other paper at:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14888386.2025.2453459
Exo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media. 
To support the podcast by becoming a Patron, please visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast

Have you ever been to a zoo or aquarium and marveled at the artfully crafted rocks and water features in the enclosures? Chances are, you may have seen the work of Stuart Dunne. Stuart is the founder of Universal Rocks and in this episode we discuss his beginnings as a landscaper in Australia, his move the the USA, and how he builds ornate (and often massive) rock walls and water features for zoos, aquariums and, private homes. (Notably, Stuart designed and built the Legasea Aquarium and Zoo for Brian Barczyk) 
To support the podcast by becoming a Patron, please visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast
To see Stuart's work and to shop visit: https://universalrocks.com/
This episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creations
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GrayGhostCreations

Exo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media.

It’s that time of year again. Join me and Mike Tytula for a fireside chat about responsibly managing a large herp collection, in situ observations from his trip to Costa Rica, upcoming projects for 2026, and much more.
Broaden your knowledge of herpetology online or in person at the Amphibian Foundation. Register now at www.amphibianfoundation.org and use code AMPHIBICAST at checkout for 10% off 
This episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creations
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GrayGhostCreations

Exo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media. 
NEHERP is our sponsor this week For your bioactive vivarium needs visit: https://www.neherpetoculture.com/