Ursprung, E, Ringler, M, Jehle, R and Hoedl, W 2011, 'Toe regeneration in the neotropical frog Allobates femoralis' , Herpetological Journal, 21 (1) , pp. 83-86.

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Abstract

Toe-clipping is a standard method for marking and tissue sampling in amphibians, and in most adult anurans such marks are permanent. Here we document the consistent regeneration of toes in the aromobatid frog Allobates femoralis during a three-year population study. The emergence of new toe discs was observed after about two months. After one year the regrown toes had recovered to 65.6%/63.8% (males/females) of the size of unclipped toes and after two years they had attained 74.0%/69.0%. Whereas toe discs before amputation were white dorsally, all but one regenerated toe discs were dark. We did not detect any malformations or infections of the digits. Recapture rates of toe-clipped individuals were indiscernible from those of a nearby population where no toe clips were taken. We discuss a possible link between toe regeneration ability and life-history attributes.

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