Egg release brings hope for Northern Corroboree Frogs

Taronga Zoo staff recently travelled to the Brindabella mountains to release 270 eggs and tadpoles of the critically endangered Northern Corroboree Frog.

Assisting with the release was amphibian disease researcher, Dr Ben Scheele, who has conducted cutting edge research on the disease dynamics between this species and the exotic chytrid fungus that is threatening it with extinction.

Despite being one of Australia’s most iconic and colourful frogs, the Northern Corroboree Frog is also one of our most endangered, with populations declining to alarmingly low levels.

The eggs and tadpoles released were produced at Taronga, in partnership with the University of Wollongong, by utilizing artificial reproductive hormones to bolster breeding success.

The successful tadpoles will emerge as young frogs from the pools in early summer and move into the surrounding habitat.

In three to four years time, they will return to breed and their numbers can be monitored as part of an ongoing collaboration with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.

This vital recovery effort is part of a broader conservation program aimed at ensuring the persistence of this beautiful species in the wild.