Boana picturata

[GermanEdam]

Boana picturata
Formerly known as Hypsiboas picturatus, this frog comes from the Pacific lowlands of south western Columbia and north western Ecuador. Boana picturata primarily occurs by waterfalls, slow moving creeks and streams in which they breed and spend the majority of their life.This species can be located in both old growth forest and secondary growth forests, typically spending most of their time 1-1.5 meters above water levels. Although not included in CITES, this species faces severe threats due to
habitat destruction, intensive agriculture and livestock, pollution, use of agrochemicals, mining and urban development. This beautiful species comes in twelve different variations, ranging from a creamy white, maroon brown, and bright yellows and oranges. One of the most noticeable features of this frog are its eyes, protruding up to 0.7 cm out of their sockets. Compared to its body length of 3.8cm, the Boana picturata has one of the largest eye to body ratio in the Columbian/Ecuadorian forests as well as the frog family. A few other key features are the pronounced snout, near symmetrical skin pigmentations, and legs, which may be up to 1.5 times the total body length. Like some other leaf frogs, Boana picturata displays unwebbed front toes and fully webbed rear toes.
Little is known about this species concerning the husbandry and behavior in both the wild and in captivity, only the basics of care have been revealed about this particular frog. Supplied by WIKIRI Ecuador ( sources below ) here is what is known and recommended for the species.


Temperature:
24 - 22C day and night


Humidity:
80% humidity all the time, rainy season being the exception.




Nutrition:
Calcium powder should be used every feeding, vitamin A once per week.


Life expectancy:
5-10 years




call:
Quiet and soft, described as being like "jajaja"




Foliage/plants:
Large leafed plants, lots of branches/vines are beneficial.




Lighting:
Good UVB/UVA


Physique:
Must be kept fit and healthy, they should never be too obese or too skinny.


Breeding:
N/A




Water:
Frogs should be offered a wet paper towel to absorb water and a shallow water dish






During my research based on Boana picturata’s natural ranges, I came up with information which is similar to what WIKIRI recommends. By gathering the weather averages in each month, in different parts of Ecuador ( Boana picturata’s native ranges ) I was able to take the data and average it up until I could get something useful.
The data however does not correspond to the microclimates that the frog may be in, but does measure the averages in the general area.


Humidity:
Dry season (70%-80% )
Wet season (75% - 100% )


Rainfall:
Dry season ( 400mm )
Rainy season ( 650mm )


Temperature:
Max: 25c
Average: 22c
Min: 18c - 15c ( does not account for microclimates )


Wind:
Average: 4kph


UV index:
5 - taken in clearings and does not include shade.


Atmospheric pressure: N/A
I suspect that the atmospheric pressure could help the breeding of the species, since it signals the rain and time to breed. These conditions can be easily replicated by a heavy misting or positive and negative air pressure from fans.




In my attempt to mimic the natural environment of Boana picturata, I have created a Vivarium to closely monitor environmental conditions. With this enclosure, my goal is to study the behavior and husbandry aspects based in the dry season. During the dry season, breeding is likely to be non existent, aggression to be low and behavior to be mild.
Here is the list of the materials I used in order to create the vivarium:


24”L 18”W 36”H Exo terra terrarium
Two 24” T5HO sunblaster light fixtures
5.0 UVB Exo terra compact Fluorescent bulb
Custom 2x4 light stand
Reflective bubble wrap
Reflective tape
Memory foam insulation
25’ Exo terra heat cable
18” Exo terra heat mat
Black spray paint
10” sterilized Alocasia “Calidora”
10” sterilized Spathiphyllum Sp.
Exo terra jungle vine
Herp keeper 2 ( thermostat )
Mistking starter with hygrostat




No other husbandry information has been provided on this species yet.
In the future, I intend to research and observe Boana picturata in captivity, recording behaviors, breeding habits and other husbandry information.
As of March 8, 2018 there have been no public records of Boana picturata being in Canada, therefore with this, I may be the first to publicly record the presence of Boana picturata in Canada at this time.
Without any public records, I may also be the first to study and record husbandry of this species in Canada.
Hooray!


Here is the link that help me with some of the information:
http://english.wikiri.com.ec/product...icturatus.html

and here is my group of 2 males and one female Boana picturata