Because of its bright yellow and black stripes, the Critically Endangered Southern Corroboree Frog, Pseudophryne corroboree, is one of Australia’s best known frog species.
The Southern Corroboree Frog is at risk of extinction in the wild because of Chytridiomycosis – a disease caused by infection with Amphibian Chytrid Fungus. There are probably less than 100 individuals left in the wild.
Captive breeding is the only way to maintain genetic variation and prevent complete extinction of this frog species. Zoos Victoria has been developing successful captive breeding techniques for the Southern Corroboree Frog since 2001 - an important contribution to the national Recovery Program.
VIDEO: Zoo Keeper Raelene Hobbs talks about Melbourne Zoo's Southern Corroboree Frog captive breeding program
The Southern Corroboree Frog only occurs in montane and alpine environments in Kosciusko National Park, and is under threat from disease and climate change. A national Recovery Plan has been developed for this species.
Zoos Victoria’s key roles in the Southern Corroboree Frog Recovery Program include:
Its unique lifecycle and habitat requirements mean that the Southern Corroboree Frog is particularly vulnerable to chytrid fungus and climate change. Captive breeding is a key part of the broader Recovery Program for this species.
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