AssetID: 54424284
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Jumping For Joy! Endangered Giant Barred Frogs Breed In Australia
Caption: An Australian conservation organisation is “jumping for joy” after celebrating the successful breeding of its endangered Giant Barred Frog. Aussie Ark, based at the Conservation Ark facility within the Australian Reptile Park on the NSW Central Coast, cares for two endangered frog species, including the Giant Barred Frog. Native to an area stretching from Brisbane to Sydney, the species faces extinction due to habitat destruction, climate change, and the deadly chytrid fungus disease. Despite the threats, the frogs at Conservation Ark are not just surviving - they’re breeding. In March, one female laid eggs, and in October, another followed. Now, these eggs have begun to hatch, filling the facility with frogs at every stage of development. From tiny tadpoles to ‘morphs’ growing legs and tails, and finally, to fully formed young frogs. Conservation Manager Hayley Shute expressed her amazement at the process. “We have delicate tadpoles of different sizes,” Shute said. “This is the fish stage of the frog, and they spend most of their time eating, so they have enough energy and nutrients to grow. They are tadpoles for up to a year, sometimes even longer, depending on their environment. They are ancient beings, totally attuned to their world.” Aussie Ark aims to eventually return the young frogs to their natural habitat. Before that can happen, the frogs must undergo a program at Conservation Ark to develop immunity against chytrid fungus disease - an exciting chapter the organisation plans to share soon.
Keywords: feature,photo feature,photo story,Aussie Ark,frog,breeds,breeding,conservation,animal,wildlife,endangered,Giant Barred Frog
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