Rio Cauca caecilian (Rubber eel)

Scientific Name: Typhlonectes natans Animal Type: Amphibian Location: Colombia, Venezuela Conservation Status: Least Concern

Profile

 

The Rio Cauca caecilian  is a member of a group of animals new to Durrell – the caecilians. The caecilians are a very unusual and rarely encountered group of amphibians that many people are unaware of. Caecilians differ from other types of amphibians such as frogs and salamanders in that they are limbless, and so are easily confused with worms or snakes. Because they spend a lot of time burrowing underground (something their lack of limbs, strong skull and specially adapted muscles make them well suited to), very little has been known about them until quite recently and the conservation status of many species is unknown.

Caecilians have probably changed little for millions of years. Unlike most other amphibians, they reproduce using internal fertilisation. Some lay eggs, others give birth to live young. Their skin is folded, making them look segmented like worms, The skin of some species  secrete toxic substances which deter predators. A pair of tentacles between their primitive eyes may give them an “extra” sense like smell.

Caecilians live in most humid tropical areas of the world. The species Durrell maintains, the Rio Cauca caecilian, is from Colombia and Venezuela. Many amphibiansand other animals in this region are highly threatened, but the Rio Cauca caecilianis not. It can often be encountered near fishing villages where they feed on fish offal. The Rio Cauca caecilian  gives birth to live young with large external gills. The Rio Cauca caecilian is one of the few aquatic caecilians  The terminal end of the body is laterally compressed which helps them to swim. At the moment we are learning as much as we can about this species and have had success in breeding these animalsIn the future we hope to work with more endangered caecilians.

Other Least Concern Animals African crested porcupine Agile frog Black and gold howler monkey Cambodia bony-headed toad Common toad/Jersey crapaud European Adder Greater flamingo Green lizard Grey crowned crane Hamerkop Mission golden-eyed tree frog Red river hog Red-billed Chough Ring-tailed coati Silvery marmoset Slender-tailed meerkat White-backed duck White-faced whistling duck Yellow mongoose