In a remarkable first for British zoological conservation, Chester Zoo has successfully bred Surinam toads, an aquatic amphibian species renowned for its extraordinary reproductive strategy. The four new arrivals, named Ripley, Lambert, Ash, and Dallas after characters from the iconic Alien film series, now reside in a specially created habitat within the zoo's expansive Tropical Realm.
A Unique Breeding Method Captivates Visitors
Native to South America and rarely exhibited in UK zoos, Surinam toads (Pipa parva) employ a fascinating method of reproduction that starkly contrasts with most frogs. Instead of laying spawn in water, the mating pair performs a coordinated backflip, flicking the eggs onto the female's back. The male then presses these eggs into her skin, where they become embedded and develop under the surface.
Adam Bland, Assistant Team Manager for Amphibians at Chester Zoo, described the process as both rapid and captivating. "After implantation, the skin grows around these little white blobs in just a few hours," he explained. "The tadpoles form under her skin until they're ready, and then they burst free and swim out from holes in her back. It's incredible to watch how this unique strategy has evolved."
Adaptations for an Aquatic Life
Surinam toads are fully aquatic, spending their entire lives underwater. Their flattened bodies allow them to blend seamlessly into the leaf litter on riverbeds, while star-shaped sensory structures on their fingers help detect movement and locate prey in muddy conditions. Unlike typical frogs that croak, these toads communicate through soft clicking sounds produced by moving small bones inside their bodies.
Conservation and Public Engagement
The successful breeding offers a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about amphibians, many of which face global declines. "They aren't animals people expect to see," Mr Bland noted. "But that's exactly why they're so effective for helping people understand how amphibians live—and why we're trying to prevent their extinction."
Despite the adults' care during development, they can pose a threat to their own offspring once the tadpoles emerge, as they are known to be voracious eaters. Keepers promptly remove the tadpoles to ensure their survival, highlighting the delicate balance in captive breeding programmes.
Addressing Public Curiosity and Sensitivity
Images of egg-carrying Surinam toads often spark online curiosity and, for some viewers, trigger trypophobia—a strong disgust or anxiety response to clustered patterns. However, at Chester Zoo, the eggs are only visible for a short period, making the toads generally accessible for public viewing without causing distress.
This breeding achievement not only enhances understanding of amphibian biology but also underscores the zoo's commitment to conserving lesser-known species through innovative exhibits and educational outreach.
