The premier, the poet and the fight to save an extraordinary Australian frog

The Guardian
The Guardian
2h ago 1 view
The southern gastric-brooding frog, declared extinct in 2000, is being searched for using DNA testing, highlighting ongoing conservation efforts and the fragility of amphibian species.
The premier, the poet and the fight to save an extraordinary Australian frog
A What happened
The southern gastric-brooding frog, Rheobatrachus silus, was declared extinct in 2000 after being devastated by chytrid fungus, a pathogen affecting amphibians globally. Known for its unusual reproductive method of giving birth through its mouth, the frog has become a symbol of conservation efforts in Australia. Recent initiatives, including DNA testing in its former habitats, are being undertaken to search for any remaining individuals. This effort is part of a broader movement to understand and protect amphibian species, which face numerous threats. Despite the challenges, conservationists remain hopeful, although skepticism persists regarding the frog's rediscovery.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Unique Reproductive Method

    The frog gives birth through its mouth, a rare biological phenomenon.

  • 2

    Impact of Chytrid Fungus

    Chytrid fungus has caused significant declines in amphibian populations worldwide.

  • 3

    Conservation Efforts

    DNA testing is being utilized to search for evidence of the frog's survival.

Takeaways

The search for the southern gastric-brooding frog underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts and the need for innovative approaches in protecting endangered species.

Topics

Wildlife Conservation