Zoos Victoria’s Fighting Extinction Species SOUTHERN CORROBOREE corroboree Critically Endangered

This striking little frog is under serious threat of population with increasing breeding success. extinction. There are now thought to be less than We breed for release to supplement 50 Southern Corroboree in the wild. Zoos wild populations, conduct research into Victoria is dedicated to creating a brighter future the impact of the infectious chytrid fungus for this alpine . Having been involved disease, reproduction and diet, and are in the recovery of this species since 2001, working to raise the public profile of this Zoos Victoria maintains a captive insurance Critically Endangered species. 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.

Southern Corroboree Frogs are only found in the sub-alpine regions of Mt . Despite the fact that they are one of Australia’s best known , this species unique life cycle and habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to chytrid fungus and climate change. Zoos Victoria along with program partners have been making an important contribution to the survival of the Southern since 2001.

KEY PROGRAM OBJECTIVES THE SPECIES •• Maintain a genetically-diverse captive Southern Corroboree Frogs are slow growing breeding population. and rely on two distinct habitat types for the How can I help? •• Supplement wild populations with captive- breeding and non-breeding portions of their life- We are working on developing bred individuals. cycle. The breeding season occurs in January and February when each male will situate our captive breeding •• Monitor and assess the ongoing status of himself in a moss nest and call for wild populations and evaluate the success females. Once they select a mate, females can techniques, improved of the egg release program. lay between 10-40 eggs for the male to fertilise. husbandry and release •• Monitor breeding habitats to determine the The young take 10-11 months to metamorphose likely influence of climate change. into frogs, and become sexually mature at programs, but we still need •• Conduct ongoing research to determine around 4 years of age. all the support we can get. the ecological interactions between the Primary threats to Southern Corroboree Amphibian Chytrid Fungus and the Southern Frogs are: You can support our Wildlife Corroboree Frog. •• Chytridiomycosis; a disease caused by Conservation Master Plan •• Increase community awareness and support infection with Amphibian Chytrid Fungus. for the Southern Corroboree Frog. 2019-2024 by donating at: •• Climate events such as drought and •• Trial raising frogs in outdoor enclosures fire which can cause breeding pools to zoo.org.au/donate at Melbourne Zoo. disappear or become overgrown with •• Support research into assisted reproductive vegetation. techniques and immune response to •• Climate change. chytrid fungus. PROGRAM PARTNERS •• Support and maintain the construction THE PLAN of disease free field enclosures in Amphibian Research Centre The following critical next steps will enable Zoos Mt Kosciuszko National Park. frogs.org.au/arc Victoria, along with our partners to move forward knowing that we are doing everything we can to Murray Catchment Management Authority PROGRAM OUTCOMES prevent the extinction of this species: murray.cma.nsw.gov.au •• Consistent and increasing captive Office of Environment and Heritage (NSW) breeding success for supplementation Creating an environmental environment.nsw.gov.au of wild populations. refuge for SCF in Mt Kosciuszko $400,000 •• Comprehensive understanding of National Park. Taronga Conservation Society Australia taronga.org.au captive husbandry. Constructing additional •• Trial re-introductions to determine the disease-free field enclosures Wollongong University $200,000 most effective technique to maintain this within Mt Kosciuszko uow.edu.au species in the wild. National Park. •• Establishment of genetically managed Continuing Zoos Victoria’s regional population. captive breeding efforts $621,000 •• Consistently producing over 2,000 eggs for SCFs. annually for release. Activations at our zoos and online that aim to increase community care and $20,000 knowledge of the species and generate support for the conservation projects. Total cost over five years $1,241,000

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