An endangered frog species that once thrived in Maitland will be part of a world-first study designed to manage Australian frogs under threat of extinction.
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The green and golden bell frog is at the heart of new research that plans to develop breakthrough technology to generate offspring from stored genomes in frog breeding and reintroduction programs.
The research is being led by the Wildlife Biodiversity Co-operative Research Centre – a consortium of 40 institutions led by the University of Newcastle.
If successful in its funding bid, the centre will carry out research on how disease impacts frog species across Australia and New Zealand, including the World Heritage Area of Tasmania and Kosciuszko National Park.
Frog populations have declined rapidly in recent decades, with a third of the species now listed as threatened worldwide. Eastern Australia has been identified as a global hotspot of frog decline.
“This research is aimed at safeguarding frogs against emerging threats,” bid director Professor Rodger said. “Through genome storage technology we can store novel strains and genes that bestow resistance against threats, in this case disease.”
The green and golden bell frog – a known inhabitant of areas including Gillieston Heights, Farley and East Maitland – will be targeted through the research.
“The green and golden bell frog will definitely be part of this research,” Professor Rodger said.
“This is a highly threatened species that has come into high profile because of where it lives but it is also a very important frog for NSW and our region.
“But what we learn about this frog will also help other species.”
The green and golden bell frog thrived at various locations across Maitland as recently as the 1970s but is now endangered Australia-wide.