The version in the Kent Academic Repository may differ from the final published version. Users are advised to check http://kar.kent.ac.uk for the status of the paper. Users should always cite the published version of record.

No abstract

As a direct response to many threats facing seriously threatened amphibian species, including habitat loss, pollution and, more recently, emerging infectious disease, ex situ captive-breeding programmes have proven valuable tools in species preservation. Uniting scientific research and conservation initiatives, here the growth of ex situ conservation for nearly a decade in central Panama is discussed. Looking at three specific projects, it can be demonstrated that collaborative efforts and multipleresponse methods yield positive results in amphibian conservation and species preservation. At the same time, the lessons learned will be examined in each of these projects to allow for future amphibian conservation programmes to consider.

The Kihansi spray toad Nectophrynoides asperginis is a diminutive, ovoviviparous Bufonidae endemic to the Kihansi River Gorge in Tanzania. This region is part of the Udzungwa escarpment of the Eastern Arc Mountains. The species occurs within a c. 2 ha area, one of the smallest geographic ranges of any terrestrial vertebrate. The taxon is listed on Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and as Critically Endangered by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources). The Kihansi spray toad is particularly vulnerable to habitat alteration, disease and introduction of competitors or predators, any of which may cause extinction. The biology of this toad and its restricted range also make it especially susceptible to disturbance by humans. This paper discusses the efforts of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the National Amphibian Conservation Center (NACC) to breed these toads in captivity as an integral part of the Kihansi Gorge conservation plan.

The crocodilian spinal vein is remarkably robust yet historically overlooked. Using corrosion casting, we describe the anatomy of this vessel and its connections with the caval and hepatic venous systems in representatives from four crocodilian genera. The spinal vein arises from an enlarged occipital sinus over the medulla and extends the entire length of the vertebral column. Unlike in squamate reptiles, the spinal vein is single (nonplexiform), voluminous, and situated dorsal to the spinal cord, and plexi lateral to the cord span between emerging intercostal veins. The connections with the other venous systems are otherwise similar to those in other tetrapods. The overall anatomy of this vessel and its abundant connections with the other venous systems indicate it likely plays a primary role in returning blood to the heart from all parts of the body. Preliminary studies of function suggest that this vessel could also play an adaptive role during basking and diving.