2022-06-14
A long-running project between the ACT Government and Australia National University to conserve and establish a wild population of a critically endangered frog is showing signs of success.
Minister for the Environment Rebecca Vassarotti said the introduction of Northern Corroboree Frogs at a new site within Namadgi National Park is giving rise to cautious optimism.
“Our innovative approach to Northern Corroboree Frog conservation is a part of a long-running conservation program for the threatened species,” Minister Vassarotti said.
“Efforts to establish wild populations of Northern Corrobboree Frogs have included releasing individuals and eggs into a new site within Namadgi National Park. Around 700 frogs and over 100 eggs have been released into this site over the last two years.
“Although Northern Corroboree Frogs have not been historically found at this location, the habitat was assessed as suitable to pursue a self-sustaining population through ‘assisted colonisation’- meaning they get a bit of a helping hand from us just to get there.
“Not only are the introduced frogs persisting in the face of their primary threat, the introduced Chytrid Fungus, but they are in excellent condition and breeding, indicating they have all the resources they need to thrive.
“This persistence is despite the presence of Chytrid Fungus, which is everywhere. These positive results could indicate that this site allows the frogs to survive despite the presence of Chytrid.”
Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said ecologists from across the ACT Government have been working in partnership with Australia National University researchers on the Northern Corroboree Frogs conservation project.
“The captive breeding program at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is responsible for generating animals for release, including genetic management, and ensures there is an insurance population of frogs into the future,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Ongoing monitoring and research are essential and the ACT Government will continue to work in partnership with the ANU to secure the future for Northern Corroboree Frogs in the ACT.
“Getting these frogs back in the wild, where they belong, is just another reason why the ACT Government continues to invest in caring for and protecting our land, flora and fauna.”
For more information on Northern Corroboree Frogs, visit the ACT Government Tidbinbilla website.
Quotes attributable to Ben Scheele, Researcher at Australian National University:
“The Northern Corroboree Frog is one of Australia’s most iconic threatened species. Our innovative new methods for establishing wild populations are underpinned by long-term monitoring and research and provide hope for this species and others like it in Australia and globally that are threatened by Chytrid Fungus.”