Adaptive reintroduction strategies for the Critically Endangered northern corroboree frog

Date: 14, Jul, 2021
Author(s): Ben Scheele   David Lindenmayer  
Publisher: TSR Hub

The introduced pathogen, chytrid fungus, has caused major declines in over 40 Australian frog species. A common management response is to release captive bred frogs to re-establish and/or supplement wild populations. However, many translocation projects have failed, likely due to the continued severe impact of chytrid fungus. This project aimed to improve and develop new strategies for translocations of frog species impacted by chytrid fungus, with a focus on the Critically Endangered northern corroboree frog (Pseudophryne pengilleyi). We aimed to: 1) conduct a broad-scale assessment of frog translocation projects for Australian frogs threatened by chytrid fungus, and 2) conduct research to improve the long-term conservation status of the northern corroboree frog. We then characterised refuges that are associated with the persistence of populations with chytrid fungus, and developed approaches to identify and evaluate suitable candidate sites for re-establishing wild populations from the captive breeding program.