NSW Scientists Breed Rare Frog for First Time While Power Project Eyes Habitat

Rahul Somvanshi

Scientists in Australia just bred a rare frog in a lab for the first time ever. This is their story.

Photo Source: University Of Newcastle

The Littlejohn's tree frog has been declining for 30 years. Very little was known about how to save it.

Photo Source: Amphibian Survival Alliance

Two separate frog pairs produced 200 eggs each in captivity, resulting in 90 healthy tadpoles.

Photo Source: University Of Newcastle

Tadpoles are extremely sensitive. Water chemistry and temperature had to be perfectly balanced," said lead scientist Dr. Kaya Klop-Toker.

Photo Source: Foresty Corporation

Over 40 new breeding ponds were built in the Watagans ranges to connect two isolated frog populations.

Photo Source: DCCEEW

Genetic analysis confirmed the new "aquatic stepping stones" successfully improved gene flow between the groups.

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Reproductive tech like sperm cryopreservation was developed to boost genetic diversity without moving fragile frogs.

Photo Source: Museum victoria collections

A 110-kilometre, 500-kilovolt transmission line is proposed to cut directly through this restored habitat.

Photo Source: Newcastle Herald

The project plans a 60-meter-wide clearing and a switching station to be built on top of key breeding ponds.

Photo Source: Gonefrogin

The environmental impact statement for this project is open for public comment until September 24, 2025.

Photo Source: Magnolia Press

A "head-starting" program raises wild eggs in the lab, shielding them from predators to increase survival rates.

Photo Source: Midmountains

The captive-bred frogs will be released on the Woronora Plateau, with some tadpoles sent to Aussie Ark's Reptile Park.

Photo Source: Newcastle Herald