ABOUT CENTRO K’AYRA
The K’ayra Center is an amphibian conservation centre located in the city of Cochabamba, Bolivia. The K’ayra center is the only one of its kind in Bolivia and was founded by the Alcide d’Orbigny Natural History Museum. The center has a particular focus on the in-situ and ex-situ conservation of the Telamtobius frogs, also known as water frogs, with one of those species being the Titicaca water frog.
The main purpose of the K’ayra center is the ex situ management of threatened amphibian species, as well as developing action plans for the conservation of Bolivian amphibian species, which include surveying and monitoring of wild populations, as well as activities focused on training of local people, awareness, education and dissemination relating to the work that the center is undertaking.
Currently, the K’ayra Center is the only one in Bolivia for the ex situ management of threatened amphibian species, housing more than 200 individuals of five species of the Telmatobius frog , with a projection to include other endangered species.
The K’ayra team consists of three biologists, a veterinarian, three research assistants and an intern. The center constantly receives national and foreign researchers and volunteers to conduct research and training.
The name K´ayra comes from the Andean cultures Quechua and Aymara, who use this word to refer to frogs that inhabit Altonadian rivers or lakes. In several cases, it is used specifically for frogs of the genus Telmatobius.
WHAT IS BCA ZOO DOING TO HELP:
In February 2019, BCA Zoo received 8 Titicaca water frogs from Denver Zoo (via Chester Zoo). These 8 frogs were some of only 120 individuals to have ever come into Europe. Three other zoos in the UK were to also receive some of these frogs with the rest being distributed to zoos around Europe.
The reason for BCA receiving these frogs was to contribute towards developing captive husbandry standards for the species as well as raising awareness and funds for the K’ayra center back in Bolivia.
We have had a great deal of success in breeding this frog species here at the zoo, in fact, they spawned soon after arriving from Denver. We have since reared 14 healthy frogelts which are growing fast and will eventually be distributed around to other zoos in Europe who wish to work with this fascinating species.
How can you help?
You can find out more about Centro K’ayra here
Image and text reference: www.museodorbigny.org
