Shelter use assessment and shelter enrichment in captive bred common toads (Bufo bufo, Linnaeus 1758).

The decline of amphibian populations has promoted ex situ conservation actions as one of the tools used to address this problem. Environmental enrichment techniques used in combination with the ex situ conservation protocols can increase the survival rate and the overall success of reintroduction programs. In this study we assessed the preference of post metamorphic Bufo bufo juveniles for seven different shelter types and their ecologically relevant characteristics in controlled laboratory conditions. We found that shelters commonly used in other studies (e.g. plastic cup, pvc pipe, ceramic clay pipe and clay tile) on frogs and toads were not suitable for B. bufo. In our experiment, toadlets presented a higher interest in shelters that provided the widest angle of vision, direct contact with moist substrate and green colour. Our results suggest that designing captive enclosures should always consider providing shelters that meet the species-specific ecological needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]