Image credit: AP Photo
A small frog that had been declared extinct more than 30 years ago
has been rediscovered in Australia. Litoria
castanea, better known as the “yellow-spotted bell frog” or
the “tablelands
bell frog,” was found in a creek bed on private property by
biologists Luke Pearce and David Hunter.
Hunter, who is a frog expert with the New South Wales Environment
Department, commented
that “this was definitely the most exciting moment of my career and
I will be surprised if I repeat it.” He went on to say that the
discovery highlights the important roll property owners play in
conservation efforts.
He explained:
The property owner at this particular site is extremely
excited about having this critically endangered frog species on his
land, and is very much looking forward to working with us in
collaboration towards the conservation of the bell frog.
The exact location of the discovery will remain a secret to protect
the fragile frog population and the homeowner’s property.
State Environment Minister Frank Sartor said he
was “advised that finding this frog is as significant a discovery as
a Tasmanian tiger.”
One of the frogs and a tadpole were collected and brought to
Sydney’s Taronga Zoo where biologists and conservationists hope to establish a
captive breeding program.
David DeFranza is assistant editor at Treehugger,
where this post originally appeared.
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