Conservationists at the London Zoo in the UK have successfully bred 33 young Southern Darwin’s frogs after they were transported 7,000 miles from their native Chile. The critically endangered male frogs carry their offspring in their vocal sacs before giving birth to froglets through their mouths. The move was prompted by the spread of amphibian chytridiomycosis, a highly dangerous fungal disease that has ruined at least 500 amphibian species.
Last year, UK conservationists had detected chytrid-free populations of Southern Darwin’s frogs on a remote Chilean island. The challenge was mounting an effective rescue operation considering the small size and camouflage of the creatures. To ensure their safe transfer, the frogs were placed in special boxes, which were climate controlled and transported by airplane, boat and car to the United Kingdom. The frogs continued to carry their young in their vocal sacs until they became froglets.
These efforts by the London Zoo has bought some time for the frog species, whose populations had declined by 90% within a year as a result of the disease. The breeding of froglets through mouth-birth gives conservationists hope that such efforts can be replicated for other small and vulnerable animals. Amphibian chytridiomycosis is considered one of the most devastating infectious diseases in science.
Ben Tapley, who works as a curator of amphibians at London Zoo noted that this was a landmark moment in their work to preserve the species from the perils of chytrid fungus. He noted that “The successful parent-rearing of these froglets is a powerful symbol of hope for the species [and] highlights what can be achieved when conservationists work together.” Research fellow Andrés Valenzuela Sanchez at ZSL’s Institute of Zoology pointed out that the frogs play a crucial role in the conservation efforts globally and contribute to a better understanding of how to fight chytrid fungus
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