Adorable endangered froglets born at London Zoo
These tiny frogs weigh less than 2g and are smaller than 3cm in size
33 adorable endangered Darwin’s froglets have been born at London Zoo .
These precious froglets are a symbol of hope for one of the world's rarest species.
Darwin’s frogs have an extraordinary strategy for rearing their young. Brooding fathers carry the tiny tadpoles inside their vocal sacs before they metamorphose into little froglets and ‘give birth’ through their mouths. (Aw?)
Last year, a global effort was launched to save one of the iconic amphibians from extinction, resulting in 53 tiny Darwin’s frogs being flown from Southern Chile to London Zoo to kick start a vital breeding and research programme to save the species.
These tiny frogs, weighing less than 2.0g and under 3cm in size, have been identified by us as an Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species.
London Zoo has engaged in efforts to conserve the species for 15 years.
Ben Tapley, London Zoo’s Curator of Amphibians, said: “These frogs represent a critical piece of Chile’s biodiversity and natural heritage, and their survival hinges on our ability to protect them from chytrid fungus.
“By establishing a population here at London Zoo, we not only safeguard their survival but can also raise awareness of the urgent conservation challenges they face. Projects like these underline the importance of conservation zoos in conserving Endangered species, like the Southern Darwin’s frogs, for generations to come.”