LONDON — In a remarkable feat of conservation, 33 endangered Darwin’s frogs have been successfully born at London Zoo, offering hope for the future of this critically endangered species. The frogs, which were carried and brooded inside the vocal sacs of their fathers, traveled a long distance from the forests of southern Chile to London as part of an ambitious rescue mission to protect them from extinction. This project, driven by a sense of urgency, is now seen as a crucial step in ensuring the survival of the species.
Darwin’s frogs, discovered by renowned scientist Charles Darwin, have suffered a catastrophic population decline in their native habitat in southern Chile. In just one year, the arrival of the deadly chytrid fungus has decimated up to 90% of the local frog populations. Chytrid fungus has proven deadly to amphibians worldwide, further highlighting the fragility of these species and the global need for effective conservation efforts.
In October, a team of conservationists traveled to the Parque Tantauco forests in Chile to collect healthy Darwin’s frogs that were free from the infection. After carefully selecting 52 frogs, the team transported them on a 7,000-mile journey to London, where they arrived safely after a combination of boat, car, and plane travel. The frogs, including 11 males, each measuring less than 3 cm, successfully carried 33 tadpoles to London Zoo, where they hatched into froglets.
Ben Tapley, the curator of amphibians at London Zoo, expressed that this breeding success was a “powerful symbol of hope for the species.” The frogs are now living in pairs inside specially designed tanks, where their environment mimics their natural habitat with carefully regulated temperatures and moist conditions. The zoo plans to establish a breeding program, and the hope is that future generations will be reintroduced into their native habitat in Chile.
The project is spearheaded by ZSL, a conservation charity behind London Zoo, and researcher Andres Valenzuela-Sanchez emphasized the importance of this initiative not only for the frogs’ survival but also for broader amphibian conservation efforts. The project has the potential to provide valuable insights into how to combat the spread of chytrid fungus, which threatens amphibians around the world.
In addition to the scientific and ecological importance of this work, it represents a growing global effort to protect vulnerable wildlife from the consequences of diseases and habitat destruction. As the Darwin’s froglets grow, they may serve as a living testament to the resilience of species in the face of adversity and a model for future conservation efforts.
For more information on amphibian conservation and the fight against chytrid fungus, visit the ZSL website or other reputable environmental organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife.
