BAW BAW FROG Philoria Frosti Critically Endangered
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Zoos Victoria’s Priority Species BAW BAW FROG Philoria frosti Critically Endangered Photo: Damien Goodall The Baw Baw Frog needs our help. Like many secure the species against extinction. amphibians, the Baw Baw Frog has suffered Thanks to advances in amphibian massive population declines in the last 20 years. husbandry we have been able to breed Zoos Victoria recognises that if something Baw Baw frogs in captivity and are now isn’t done soon, it may just be too late for this beginning to investigate reintroduction species. Along with program partners we strategies. Our staff are committed to have successfully established a genetically ensuring that the Baw Baw Frog chorus will robust captive insurance population to help once again be common across Mt Baw Baw. Zoos Victoria is committed to Fighting Extinction We are focused on working with partners to secure the survival of our priority species before it is too late. In the early 1980s the Baw Baw Frog was thriving, but recent monitoring indicates a 98% decline in their abundance since this time. Zoos Victoria is committed to conserving this unique Victorian species. Research into the captive breeding and husbandry of this species will ensure the Baw Baw Frog has a long-term future. Zoos Victoria staff are committed to gaining a better understanding of the life history of this frog, sharing its unique story and securing its future. KEY PROGRAM OBJECTIVES • Chytridiomycosis – an infectious disease • Zoos Victoria will investigate and refine caused by chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium the husbandry techniques required to dendrobatidis) which infects the skin How can I help? raise, maintain and breed Baw Baw Frogs susceptible of frog species. Chytrid fungus in captivity. has been linked with amphibian decline We are currently developing and extinction worldwide, and appears to • Targeted collection of female Baw Baw affect frogs in cool climates most severely. husbandry and breeding Frogs to help secure the genetics of the Once a population is infected, there is no techniques for this species, wild population. effective way of controlling this disease. • Establish an in-situ (semi wild) population • Introduced species – feral plants and but we still need all the and trial reintroduction of captive-bred animals occurring on Mt Baw Baw are support we can get. individuals to the wild. having negative impacts on habitat quality. You can support our Wildlife PROGRAM OUTCOMES • Climate change – warmer temperatures and decreased rainfall in the Baw Baw Conservation Master Plan • Research is underway to investigate Plateau region could cause the subalpine 2019-2024 by donating at: habitat and husbandry requirements for and montane habitats of the Baw Baw Frog this species. to shrink or entirely disappear. zoo.org.au/donate • Melbourne Zoo amphibian keepers and the Amphibian Research Centre have developed THE PLAN highly successful husbandry techniques for The following critical next steps will enable Zoos rearing and breeding Baw Baw Frogs. Victoria, along with our partners to move forward PROGRAM PARTNERS • Frogs reared from wild collected knowing that we are doing everything we can to eggs have resulted in a large healthy prevent the extinction of this species: Amphibian Research Centre captive population. frogs.org.au/arc Maintain the captive insurance • In 2014 recovery team members $85,000 p.a Baw Baw Frog Recovery Team unanimously agreed to enact an population at Melbourne Zoo. Baw Baw National Park emergency collection phase targeting Conduct Field Monitoring to better $290,000 australianalps.environment.gov.au the collection of genetic material due to inform conservation actions. continued and rapid population decline. Baw Baw Shire Council Identify an environmental refuge bawbawshire.vic.gov.au • Collection of adult male and female for reintroducing Baw Baw Frogs $110,000 Baw Baw Frogs. to their wild habitat. Deakin University deakin.edu.au • Successful captive reproduction Create disease-free safe havens YEAR 4 & 5 from wild caught females. in wild habitat for re-introduction. $100,000 p.a Department of Environment, • Experimental reintroduction underway. Land, Water and Planning Assist the Mt Baw Baw Alpine delwp.vic.gov.au THE SPECIES Resort to run programs with visitors to increase care and knowledge Mt Baw Baw Apline Resort Baw Baw Frogs only occur on a restricted $10,000 p.a of the Baw Baw Frog and facilitate University of Wollongong section of the Baw Baw plateau in Victoria. behaviours that prevent the spread uow.edu.au They are a cryptic species, finding natural of chytrid fungus. soil cavities underground from which to call and lay their translucent eggs in a foam nest. Build on and celebrate the Annual Unlike most other frog species, developing Baw Baw Frog Day (November 18) aiming to measure an increase in Baw Baw Frog tadpoles may not swim or feed. $5,000 p.a The tadpoles are nourished by a yolk sac after community care and knowledge of hatching. They develop this way, hiding under the species and generate support vegetation until they metamorphose into frogs. for the conservation projects. The reasons for the massive population crash Total cost over five years $1,100,000 of Baw Baw Frogs since the 1980s are unclear, however the most likely factors are: Find out more zoo.org.au/fightingextinction.