Using reproductive technologies to assess the development of secondary sexual characteristics, ovarian senescence and hermaphroditism in the endangered mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa
Leah E. Jacobs
A D , Talisin T. Hammond A , Patricia M. Gaffney A , Michelle J. Curtis A , Debra M. Shier A , Barbara S. Durrant A , Alison Righton B , Candace L. Williams A * and Natalie E. Calatayud A C *
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92025, USA.
B Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S 10th Street Omaha, NE 68107, USA.
C Conservation Science Network, 24 Thomas Street, Mayfield, NSW 2304, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: ljacobs@sandiegozoo.org
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 33(9) 610-614 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD21029
Submitted: 30 January 2021 Accepted: 26 May 2021 Published: 21 June 2021
Abstract
Anurans can display a host of intriguing sexual syndromes, including hermaphroditism and sex reversal. Using a multifaceted approach for diagnosing and characterising hermaphroditism in the endangered anuran species Rana mucosa, we tracked changes in female reproductive status using hormone monitoring, ultrasound examinations, individual life history, fertilisation records and post-mortem findings. Seven individuals originally sexed as females developed secondary male sexual characteristics, behaviour and hormone profiles and, in some cases, had testicular tissue despite having previously laid eggs. Our results suggest that reproductive technologies can shed light on life history patterns and reproductive anomalies that may affect endangered anuran survival.
Keywords: captive breeding, ex situ, hormones, mass spectrometry, nuptial pads, sex reversal, ultrasound.
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