Zoo breeding facility to save rare frog species
A purpose-built facility that supports Taronga Zoo’s captive breeding program will help save the Booroolong frog after recent droughts and fires almost wiped out the species.
A $178,000 funding boost helped create the state-of-the-art facility, which comprises advanced features that replicate the natural environment for 58 Booroolong frogs, including special UV lighting, flowing water and temperature controls that mimic seasonal changes.
Experts from the Saving our Species (SoS) program and Taronga Zoo have formed a project team with local ecologist Phil Spark and the Australian Museum’s Dr Jodi Rowley to develop the captive breeding program.
Environment Minister James Griffin said the frogs are thriving in their new home and he is hopeful that the captive breeding program will help revive their wetland habitat.
“We know that habitat protection and conservation is critical for securing the future of this important native species,” Mr Griffin said.