Discovered by Charles Darwin in the 1800s on a journey through Argentina and Chile, the aptly named Darwin’s frog is one of the most unique amphibian species in the world.
Unfortunately, the tiny, bright green frogs (that weigh less than 2 grams and are under 3 centimeters in size) are now endangered and were recently the catalyst behind a global effort to save them from extinction.
Though their native habitat of the Parque Tantauco forests in southern Chile were once a sanctuary for the species, 2023 surveys of the region confirmed a deadly threat: Amphibian chytridiomycosis. The devastating fungus led to a 90% decline in monitored populations of the frog species.
Acting quickly, conservationists at the Zoological Society of London organized a rescue mission to bring as many frogs as they could to the London Zoo.
During a five-day expedition, ZSL teams located the frogs in a group believed to be free of chytrid. They set up a temporary bio-secure facility to conduct health checks, monitor and care for the frogs, and prepare them for a journey to their new home in London.
Ultimately, 53 frogs were designated for the relocation, under the care of amphibian experts from ZSL and “on loan” from Chilean authorities.
Once the dozens of frogs cleared their health checks (including some males who were carrying developing tadpoles in their vocal sacs, a markedly unique characteristic of this particular species), they embarked on their journey.
Conservationists accompanied them on the long voyage, including a 6-hour boat ride, a 15-hour drive to Santiago, and a final flight to Heathrow International Airport, packed in specially designed, climate-controlled transport boxes. (Talk about precious cargo!)
This special journey was orchestrated among numerous stakeholders: Ranita de Darwin NGO, Zoo Leipzig, Parque Tantauco, Universidad Andrés Bello, Universidad de Concepción, and the Chilean National Zoo, along with the support of the Government of Chile.
“Moving 53 Chilean frogs to London was no small feat — it took meticulous planning and more than a few sleepless nights,” Andres Valenzuela-Sanchez, the ZSL project lead said in a statement.
Fortunately, it seems like all 53 frogs are settling in well. Upon their arrival at the London Zoo, they were moved to a quarantine facility crafted by amphibian and habitat design specialists.
According to a news release from the zoo, each frog was checked for signs of disease as it was introduced on arrival, and soon enough, some began making their signature whistling calls, indicating that they were acclimated to the new space.
“The frogs are settling in fantastically well in their new home, and we’re hopeful that this rescued population will thrive,” Valenzuela-Sanchez continued.
“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.”
By taking these tiny creatures on such a whirlwind journey, conservationists hope to protect the species from extinction, as they temporarily find sanctuary across the Atlantic.
“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,” Ben Tapley, London Zoo’s curator of amphibians, said.
“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.”
According to ZSL, scientists will continue working to understand the devastating chytrid fungus. Meanwhile, this colony of Darwin’s frogs will be kept safe in London, with the eventual goal of supporting reintroduction efforts back in a fungus-free home in Chile.
Tapley added: “Projects like these underline the importance of conservation zoos in conserving endangered species, like the Southern Darwin’s frogs, for generations to come.”
Header image courtesy of Flavio Camus (CC BY-NC 2.0)
