HIGHLIGHT: TENNESSEE

Memphis:

Researchers at Memphis Zoo have been studying the smooth-sided toad’s reproduction abilities and found techniques that could aid toads around the world. Research by the zoo’s conservation department showed that the quality of toad sperm could be increased with hormones and that the sperm could be harvested, frozen and thawed and still remain viable. The study, published in the journal Cryobiology, will be put into action this fall when the team travels to Colombia and Ecuador to help amphibian researchers preserve the rare Colombian giant toad, says Steve Reichling, zoo director of conservation and research.

THE MEMPHIS ZOO Smooth-sided toads are native to South America.