Giant burrowing frogs returned to wild after rescue
Scientists in eastern Victoria released fifty three rescued giant burrowing frogs back into their native habitat following years of conservation work.
About one hundred and sixty tadpoles were collected from fire ash after the 2019 20 black summer bushfires destroyed extensive areas in East Gippsland. This event sparked deep concerns for the critically endangered species survival.
Fifty three of the original tadpoles grew into male frogs about five years old before being moved to Melbourne zoo. They developed into full frogs and were bred there for the first time last year successfully in captivity.
Herpetologist at Snowline Ecology said these elusive frogs spend much time buried underground in sandy soils until rains arrive. This explains why they are difficult to find despite their large adult size resembling a cricket ball.
Zoos Victoria specialist Ryan Moes explained that genetic testing ensured siblings did not breed together. The team raised healthy adults to release them back into the wild to maintain robust populations and prevent extinction risks.