Conservationists Transported Eleven Endangered Male Frogs Across 7000 Miles to Keep Their Species Alive

Conservationists have shifted 11 endangered male frogs from their habitat to protect their species. The vulnerable species facing danger is the Darwin’s frog, mainly found in Chile, stated CNN. Researchers claim that the species has come in danger because of attacks by a deadly fungus. To help the frogs overcome this situation, conservationists decided to move the frogs away from their fatal enemies, chytrid fungus.

The male frogs were collected from Parque Tantauco, a remote part of an island off the coast of Chile. A 2023 survey confirmed the arrival of deadly chytrid fungus at the site, stated BBC. It was soon observed that the fungus infected the Darwin's frogs with Amphibian chytridiomycosis disease. It was so severe, that their population dwindled by 90% within a year. In October 2024, researchers spotted a population of Darwin's frogs free of chytrid fungus in the area and started ways to protect them. It was then that they decided to move them to some other location.

In this species, the male keeps their tadpoles inside vocal sacs for protection, according to CNN. This continues till the tadpoles metamorphose into froglets. After the offspring turn into froglets, they are spat out by the father frogs. Researchers have noted that at once, the frog father throws out three to seven froglets. These froglets measure less than three centimeters (1.18 inches) in size, which makes it extremely difficult for conservationists to spot these beings and take them to safety. Hence, environmentalists decided to transport frog fathers to the London Zoo, so that they could give 'birth' in a protected location. Eleven in total were collected, to make the 7,000 mile journey.

The journey was very difficult for both the officials and amphibians. At first, they took a six-hour boat ride back to the mainland, followed by a 15-hour drive to Santiago, and the last step involved a 14-hour flight to Heathrow Airport. Throughout the entire travel, the frogs were in a climate-controlled box, as per the zoo. Conservationists claimed that Darwin's frogs gave 'birth' to 33 froglets in the London establishment, stated BBC.

Environmentalists were elated by the birth and protection of so many froglets. "This is a landmark moment in our work to protect the Darwin's frog from the devastating impact of chytrid fungus," Ben Tapley, curator of amphibians at London Zoo said.  "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."

This deadly fungal disease has been observed in around 500 amphibian species, among which Darwin's frogs are one. Researchers believe this exercise of shifting these frog fathers to save their species, will help conservationists to find ways to protect other amphibians from this fungus. "These frogs are not only vital for the future of their species but also help us better understand how we can combat chytrid fungus and safeguard other amphibians globally," Andrés Valenzuela Sanchez, ZSL's Institute of Zoology research fellow said. At present, researchers are focused on making the Parque Tantauco safe again for Darwin's frogs.