Back Skeletochronology Ageing in amphibians has previously relied on morphometric studies, measuring especially snout-vent length and weight of individuals. However, such techniques are inappropriate for sexually mature adults whose size is more significantly influenced by growth rate prior to first breeding. Skeletochronology, the study of ageing individual organisms from the evidence found in bone tissue, has now been widely accepted as a reliable and efficient method of ageing amphibians. Back Funnel Trapping Animals are easily caught with minimum disturbance to their environment using funnel traps. As Xenopus are aquatic they can be captured throughout the year in the same habitat, unlike other anurans which may only visit water bodies for a short duration.
Trapping is a very versatile way of capturing animals.
Xenopus will drown without air, so if buoys are used, traps must be checked regularly. Back Stomach contents Stomach contents are easily obtained by flushing the stomach with water. This is a common technique used by herpetologists for dietary studies. Food mostly consists of benthic invertebrates and zooplanton, although other food items do occur, including terrestrial prey items.