Endangered Frog Fathers Triumphantly Hatch Offspring After Epic 7,000-Mile Journey

On February 3, 2025, conservationists in the UK announced that endangered Southern Darwin’s frogs have successfully ‘given birth’ to 33 froglets. This event follows a 7,000-mile journey from Chile to London Zoo, where these frogs were brought as part of efforts to combat a devastating fungal disease affecting their species.

The Southern Darwin’s frog, first discovered by Charles Darwin in 1834, is known for its unique reproductive method, where tadpoles develop inside the vocal sacs of male frogs. Unfortunately, the species faces severe threats from amphibian chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease that has impacted at least 500 amphibian species worldwide. In 2023, the chytrid fungus was confirmed in the frogs’ habitat in southern Chile, leading to a drastic 90% decline in their populations within a year.

Conservationists from London Zoo undertook a complex mission to locate and transport a chytrid-free population of these frogs. The journey involved a six-hour boat ride, a 15-hour drive to Santiago, and a flight to Heathrow. The frogs traveled in climate-controlled boxes to ensure their safety during transit. Each male frog, weighing less than 2 grams and measuring under 3 cm, carried the tadpoles until they transformed into froglets.

Ben Tapley, curator of amphibians at London Zoo, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating it represents a significant step in protecting the species. Andrés Valenzuela Sanchez from ZSL’s Institute of Zoology noted that these frogs are crucial not only for their species’ survival but also for understanding how to combat the chytrid fungus and protect other amphibians globally. The successful rearing of these froglets serves as a hopeful symbol of what can be accomplished through dedicated conservation efforts.

The successful birth of Southern Darwin’s froglets at London Zoo highlights the urgent need for conservation initiatives to protect vulnerable species from diseases like chytridiomycosis. This event not only brings hope for the future of the Southern Darwin’s frog but also underscores the collaborative efforts required to safeguard amphibians worldwide.