The Conservation Issue 

The primary factor causing the decline of the Southern Corroboree Frog is disease caused by infection with the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus. Current information suggests that this pathogen was introduced into the Australian environment during the late 1970s.  Infection by this pathogen causes the disease Chytridiomycosis, which results in damage to the frogs’ outer skin layers. This pathogen appears to be particularly virulent to species like the Southern Corroboree Frog, which occur at high altitudes in cool and moist environments.

Climate change is also expected to have a substantial negative impact on the Southern Corroboree Frog, particularly if it results in more frequent drought events and a general drying of the environment. Corroboree Frogs are susceptible to increased drought frequency because they typically breed in ephemeral pools that in drought years dry before the tadpoles attain metamorphosis. In addition, a reduction in the water table at breeding sites is likely to result in the loss of breeding pools due to encroachment and smothering from increased vegetation growth.

Zoos Victoria's Conservation Field Partners

The recovery program is led by the New South Wales Department of Environment and Climate Change and includes representatives from the following organisations:

Amphibian Research Centre
ACT Parks, Conservation and Lands
Department of Environment and Water
Murray Catchment Management Authority
Taronga Zoo