We're firm believers in the principle of Conservation Through Captive Breeding. In fact, our whole company is built on it. So what does it mean? Simply put, it's a way to protect the wild creatures we love from the threat of poaching and unscrupulous collection for the pet trade. Captive breeding has the power to reduce demand for wild creatures.

But that isn't the only benefit of captive breeding. Creatures born into captivity are much better adapted to it. They're also free of wild diseases and the stress of capture. All of this makes for a happier, healthier, and more rewarding pet. We must consider the importance of providing hobbyists with rewarding pet experiences, because it could make all the difference for the survival of these species.

Photo by Seth N.

To understand how, imagine two new dart frog keepers. One buys a wild-caught dart frog, the other a captive-bred from Josh's Frogs. The wild-caught frog has a rough go of captivity. The inexperienced keeper doesn't understand why, and the person who sold him the frog doesn't offer much help. Despite the keeper's best efforts, the wild frog soon dies, leaving him confused and disheartened.

The captive-bred dart frog and its keeper fare much better. Bred responsibly in a disease-free facility, the frog is healthy and accustomed to life in captivity, so it quickly settles into its new home. When the new keeper has questions, she finds us eager to help and knowledgeable of the frog's needs. This is to be expected, since we invested real time and effort to hatch and raise the young frog, and our professional reputation depends on its well-being. As a result, the frog lives a long and happy life, and the new keeper enjoys its company for many years.

Photo by Jacob K.

Now consider this: which of these two keepers would be more likely to care about the plight of dart frogs in the wild? Which would be more likely to advocate for them and take part in their conservation? To us, the answer is clear. To paraphrase something the great Freeman Tilden once wrote, we fight to protect the things we appreciate, and we learn to appreciate the things for which we care. If you want to protect amphibians, start by caring for one. 🐸