Endangered Darwin Frogs rescued from deadly fungus in Chile arrive at London Zoo

Darwin’s frog is known for its brooding habits which involve the males carrying eggs about to hatch in their vocal pouch until they can fend for themselves. Credit: Zoological Society of London

Dozens of endangered Darwin frogs have been rescued and transported to London Zoo after a deadly fungus in their native habitat is putting them at risk of extinction.

The rescue of was part of a global effort to stop the amphibians from dying out and begin a breeding and research programme to save the species.

Starting their journey in Southern Chile, 53 Darwin frogs endured a 6-hour boat ride, 15-hour drive to Santiago [Chile's capital], and a flight to Heathrow, before being transported to London Zoo.

The Parque Tantauco forests in southern Chile were once a sanctuary for Southern Darwin’s frogs (Rhinoderma darwinii), but a survey found the arrival of the chytrid fungus results in a 90per cent decline in the population.

The fungus causes a skin disease in amphibians called chytridiomycosis which limits a frogs growth.

It's hoped the rescued population will reproduce and help scientists better under the species. Credit: ZSL

During a five-day expedition in October, conservationists from The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) located the extremely camouflaged frogs near an area believed to be free of the fatal fungus.

A temporary bio-secure facility was built to undertake health checks, monitor and care for the frogs, ahead of the journey to the UK. 

Once the 53 chytrid-free frogs had cleared health checks and travelled to London they began quarantine.

Each frog was then introduced to its new home, with some immediately making their whistling calls on arrival, indicating they had acclimatised to the new surroundings. 

London Zoo hopes the frogs will thrive and reproduce to eventually support reintroduction efforts in Chile. Credit: ZSL

Conservationists from ZSL – the conservation charity which runs London Zoo – organised the rescue mission to bring the frogs to London Zoo.

It's in partnership with Ranita de Darwin NGO, Zoo Leipzig, Parque Tantauco, Universidad Andrés Bello, Universidad de Concepción and the Chilean National Zoo, and with the support of the Government of Chile.  

Ben Tapley, London Zoo’s Curator of Amphibians, said: “These frogs represent a critical piece of Chile’s biodiversity and natural heritage, and their survival hinges on our ability to protect them from chytrid fungus.

"By establishing a population here at London Zoo, we not only safeguard their survival but can also raise awareness of the urgent conservation challenges they face.

"Projects like these underline the importance of conservation zoos in conserving Endangered species, like the Southern Darwin’s frogs, for generations to come.” 

ZSL has spent 15 years trying to save the species from extinction. Credit: ZSL

Andres Valenzuela-Sanchez, project lead and Institute of Zoology research fellow, said: “Moving 53 Chilean frogs to London was no small feat—it took meticulous planning and more than a few sleepless nights!

"The frogs are settling in fantastically well in their new home, and we’re hopeful that this rescued population will thrive.

"Over time, we aim for their offspring to play a crucial role, both as candidates for wild reintroductions and to enrich our understanding of the species and chytrid’s impact in Chile.” 

5 Facts about Darwin's frog

  • The weigh less than 2.0g and are under 3cm in size

  • Male Darwin frogs carry developing tadpoles in their vocal sacs before they can survive by themselves

  • Biologist Charles Darwin discovered the frog on his world voyage

  • The frogs are native to streams and forests in Argentina and Chile

  • Darwin frogs are extremely camouflaged and blend into mossy habitats to protect themselves from predators

Source: London Zoo / Britainnica

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