Greater than 30 endangered froglets have been born at London Zoo after a dramatic 7,000-mile rescue mission saw their parents extracted from their fungus-threatened native habitat.
The Darwin’s frog, named after Charles Darwin, faces extinction after the introduction of the chytrid fungus to their habitat.
In 2023, surveys confirmed the deadly fungus had arrived within the distant Parque Tantauco forests in southern Chile – resulting in a catastrophic 90% decline in monitored populations inside a 12 months.
While conservationists work out the best way to make their forest home protected, the survival of Darwin’s frog could depend upon protected refuges just like the one London Zoo has provided.
Bringing the amphibians to the UK was no easy task, requiring a visit to Chile and a painstaking hunt for the tiny creatures, whose fully-grown fathers measuring at lower than 3cm.
Having secured 53 to bring to London, the efforts of the zoo’s conservationists have been rewarded with the arrival of 33 froglets.
Ben Tapley, curator of amphibians at London Zoo, said: ‘This can be a landmark moment in our work to guard the Darwin’s frog from the devastating impact of chytrid fungus.
‘The successful parent-rearing of those froglets is a strong symbol of hope for the species, highlights what will be achieved when conservationists work together and serves as a critical reminder of the role of our conservation zoo.
‘We knew we were embarking on something special – the clock was ticking, and we wanted to act quickly if we were going to save lots of these frogs – and capturing this work on film has really cemented just how vital our work is.’
The 33 froglets were carried and brooded by 11 of the male frogs, who carry the tadpoles of their vocal sacs until they’re ready.
A movie titled A Leap of Hope will premiere on Monday, showcasing what went on throughout the rescue trip.
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Andres Valenzuela-Sanchez, ZSL’s Institute of Zoology research fellow, said: ‘By working with partners in Chile, we’re capable of safeguard these frogs of their latest home at London Zoo, ensuring that this unique species has a fighting probability of recovery.
‘These frogs usually are not only vital for the longer term of their species but in addition help us higher understand how we will combat chytrid fungus and safeguard other amphibians globally.’
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