Scientists in London have successfully reproduced **Darwin’s frogs**, which [are in danger of extinction](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/hito-en-la-lucha-contra-el-trafico-de-especies-1-000-animales-en-peligro-de-extincion-repatriados-a-madagascar/). The frogs traveled from southern Chile to Europe, protected in the vocal sacs of their parents to ensure their safety, as reported by the AP News portal.
London Zoo announced on Monday that 33 Darwin’s frogs, a species **named in honor of Charles Darwin**, who discovered them, were born in their new home.
## The impact of chytrid fungus on Darwin’s frogs
In one year, specifically in 2023, 90% of the Darwin’s frog population decreased due to the **chytrid fungus** in the forests of Tantauco Park, southern Chile, which has affected hundreds of amphibians worldwide. This situation has been termed the **”amphibian pandemic”**, as the fungus produces an infectious disease that affects the skin of amphibians.
When the females lay eggs, the males protect and rear the tadpoles in their vocal sacs until they develop safely.
## The transfer of frogs to London
Last October, a team of conservationists traveled to Chile in search of **healthy and fungus-free Darwin’s frogs**, managing to collect a total of 52 frogs. These were placed in boxes with **controlled temperature** and then transported by boat, car, and plane to London.
In total, 11 males of 3 centimeters carried 33 tadpoles, which were born at the London Zoo.
Ben Tapley, curator of amphibians at the London Zoo, told the media: “We knew we were embarking on something special; time was running out, and we needed to act quickly if we wanted to **save these frogs**.” He also indicated that the successful rearing of the tadpoles by the parents is a [powerful symbol of hope for the species](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/llega-una-nutria-gigante-al-impenetrable-para-recuperar-a-la-especie/).
## Future of Darwin’s frogs in their new habitat
Currently, the frogs are in ponds with moss that mimic their natural habitat, and a **breeding program** will be established so that the offspring can be reintroduced into nature in the future.
In fact, Andrés Valenzuela-Sánchez, a researcher at ZSL, the conservation charity behind the London Zoo, stated that this project could ensure an opportunity for **species recovery**.
Finally, he stated, “These frogs are not only **essential for the future of their species**, but also help us better understand how to combat chytrid fungus and protect other amphibians worldwide.”
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