Greater than 30 endangered froglets have been born at London Zoo after a dramatic 7,000-mile rescue mission.
The Darwin’s frog, named after Charles Darwin, faces extinction after the introduction of chytrid fungus to their habitat.
In 2023, it was confirmed the lethal fungus had arrived within the Parque Tantauco forests in southern Chile – resulting in a 90% decline in monitored populations inside a yr.
Picture:
Pic: PA/ZSL
Whereas conservationists work out find out how to make their forest dwelling secure, the survival of the Darwin’s frog may rely on secure refuges just like the one London Zoo has offered.
Nevertheless, bringing the endangered amphibians to the UK was no simple process, requiring a visit to Chile and a painstaking hunt for the tiny creatures, with the fully-grown fathers coming in at lower than 3cm.
Picture:
Pic: PA/ZSL
Having secured 53 to carry 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, stated: “This can be a landmark second in our work to guard the Darwin’s frog from the devastating impression of chytrid fungus.
“The profitable parent-rearing of those froglets is a robust image of hope for the species, highlights what might be achieved when conservationists work collectively, and serves as a crucial reminder of the position of our conservation zoo.
“We knew we were embarking on something special – the clock was ticking, and we needed to act quickly if we were going to save these frogs – and capturing this work on film has really cemented just how vital our work is.”
The 33 froglets had been carried and brooded by 11 of the male frogs, who carry the tadpoles of their vocal sacs till they’re prepared.
