NEWS – The Chilean government’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee has launched a public–private conservation programme to protect the endangered Darwin’s frog, known for its unique reproductive behavior.

HIGHLIGHTS

Key strategies include:

• Protecting and expanding habitats
• Collaborating with private landowners
• Conducting targeted surveys to discover new populations
• Raising public awareness of the frog’s ecological role

About the Species

• Rhinoderma darwinii (Southern Darwin’s frog – Endangered)
• Rhinoderma rufum (Northern Darwin’s frog – Critically Endangered / Possibly Extinct)
• Habitat: Temperate rainforests of southern Chile and Argentina, including the Valdivian forests and Chiloe Island
• Unique trait: Male mouth-brooding, where tadpoles develop inside the male’s vocal sac

Major Threats

• Chytrid fungus outbreak in 2023 caused a 90% decline in Tantauco Park
• Other threats:
  • Habitat loss from fires and urbanisation
  • Climate change and invasive species
  • Severe fragmentation – only ~62 known groups remain
  • R. rufum not seen since ~1981

Rescue & Recovery Efforts

• October 2024: 52 chytrid-free frogs rescued by ZSL and Chilean partners
• 33 froglets successfully bred in London Zoo via male brooding
• Marks success in ex-situ conservation; in-situ efforts continue in Chile

Strategic Actions Ahead

• Strengthen habitat connectivity
• Partner with landowners
• Expand monitoring efforts
• Promote nationwide awareness campaigns