Toe regeneration in the neotropical frog Allobates femoralis

Ursprung, E; Ringler, M; Jehle, R; Hoedl, W

Abstract

Toe-clipping is a standard method for marking and tissue
sampling in amphibians, and in most adult anurans such
marks are permanent. Here we document the consistent
regeneration of toes in the aromobatid frog Allobates
femoralis during a three-year population study. The
emergence of new toe discs was observed after about
two months. After one year the regrown toes had
recovered to 65.6%/63.8% (males/females) of the size
of unclipped toes and after two years they had attained
74.0%/69.0%. Whereas toe discs before amputation were
white dorsally, all but one regenerated toe discs were dark.
We did not detect any malformations or infections of the
digits. Recapture rates of toe-clipped individuals were
indiscernible from those of a nearby population where no
toe clips were taken. We discuss a possible link between
toe regeneration ability and life-history attributes.

Citation

Ursprung, E., Ringler, M., Jehle, R., & Hoedl, W. (2011). Toe regeneration in the neotropical frog Allobates femoralis. Herpetological journal, 21(1), 83-86

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2011
• Deposit Date: Sep 28, 2011
• Journal: Herpetological Journal
• Print ISSN: 0268-0130
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 83-86
• Related Public URLs: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bhs/thj/2011/00000021/00000001/art00011