# World first for endangered frogs facing extinction

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/world-first-for-endangered-frogs-facing-extinction
- Published: 2026-04-29T08:00:00+07:00
- Author: PR Newswire

_Littlejohn’s Tree Frogs breed within 72 hours of arrival at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo_

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SYDNEY, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo has announced a groundbreaking
achievement in conservation with the success of its first-ever on-site breed for
release program. Within just 72 hours of arriving at a new custom-built facility,
endangered frog species Littlejohn’s Tree Frogs (_Litoria littlejohni_) have successfully
produced three clutches of eggs, a milestone never before achieved in a zoo setting.

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The achievement is the result of over a year of preparation in partnership with 
the University of Newcastle’s Centre of Conservation Science and Amphibian ICU. 
The Littlejohn’s Tree frog is an elusive native species facing imminent extinction,
with threats such climate change, extreme habitat loss and degradation, and chytrid
disease – an amphibian fungus which affects many Australian frog species. The impact
of these threats has led to small and isolated populations, with reduced genetic
diversity and therefore decreased reproduction and survival rates of tadpoles and
metamorphs. 

The species is now found in only three remaining locations in the New South Wales
Sydney Basin from the Watagan State Forest to the Woronora Plateau, and only with
five fragmented populations.

The zoo received a cohort of 58 frogs from the University of Newcastle’s Centre 
for Conservation Research and Amphibian ICU, including 22 wild founder individuals
and 36 sub-adults hatched at the University last winter.

Ashley Wombey, Curatorial Manager Conservation, Population and Science said: "It
has been over 12 months of preparation, which has included building a purpose-built
breeding facility affectionately naming our "Frogservation Lab", installing life
support systems with continual testing and monitoring to provide the ideal parameters
that reflect their wild habitat.  The speed at which the frogs have displayed breeding
behaviours tells us they have settled very quickly and that we have provided the
perfect conditions for them to flourish. Not only is their arrival exciting, it 
is an important step in safeguarding the future of the species.  We are very excited
to partner with the University of Newcastle, as the future of conservation is through
collaboration."

Dr Alex Callen from the University of Newcastle’s Amphibian ICU within the Centre
for Conservation Science said: "The achievement is very exciting as it is only the
second time that this species has been bred in human care. This Littlejohn’s tree
frog breeding program focuses on improving the genetic diversity of the species 
as it now occurs from only three isolated regions in the world." 

By establishing this breeding colony in the heart of Sydney, the zoo is ensuring
that even if wild populations continue to decline, a genetically diverse "insurance
population" is ready to be returned to the wild.

While a number of tadpoles have already hatched, they are in a sensitive stage of
development. The zoo team is monitoring the remaining eggs closely, with more hatchlings
anticipated within the next couple of weeks.

Visitors can learn more about this exciting project and get a glimpse of the "Frogservation
Lab" now at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo.

**About Merlin Entertainments **Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded
entertainment destinations across the UK, US, Western Europe, China, and Asia Pacific.
Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes
more than 62 million guests annually to its growing estate, with over 140 sites 
across 23 countries.

 

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