Kroombit Tinkerfrogs Take Another Leap

So much is happening in the tiny world of Kroombit Tinkerfrogs. Our Conservation Team’s latest release of 38 Kroombit Tinkerfrogs marks a major milestone for the species. The trip also saw Tinkerfrog detector dog Ash in action and coincides with the launch of Tink Tink Tink – a new children’s book about the species and our mission to save it from extinction.

Successful Kroombit Tinkerfrog Release

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary conservation team has just completed another successful release of Kroombit Tinkerfrogs into their natural habitat, adding 38 new frogs to the wild population and bringing the total released so far to 145. Each release is a significant step forward in the recovery of this critically endangered species, found only in a tiny area of Kroombit Tops National Park in Central Queensland.

This most recent trip was unique. Unlike previous releases held in the warmer, humid months of late summer, this one took place in cool May conditions – and in daylight. The timing wasn’t just a logistical decision; it was part of an important training opportunity for Ash, the talented springer spaniel detector dog.

How a Dog Helps Save Kroombit Tinkerfrogs

Ash began training in December 2024 to detect the scent of Kroombit Tinkerfrogs – an odour undetectable to humans. On this trip, Ash successfully identified several of the frogs we had just released, confirming her growing abilities. In a promising development, Ash also alerted to the presence of Tinkerfrog scent in a remote site where the species hasn’t been heard calling in years. While we weren’t able to spot the frogs this time, the evidence gives us fresh hope that a remnant wild population may still exist at the site.

Other exciting highlights from the trip included hearing Tinkerfrog calls at a previous release site, where 59 frogs were released over the last two years. Even more heartening, one of our released males began calling just one hour after release – a strong sign of resilience, given the frogs endure a 500-kilometre journey from Currumbin and are carried down a steep escarpment in backpacks before release.

We also had a bit of fun with some of the frogs released on this trip, who were named by our corporate partners at Gold Coast Airport. Sub-adults Tiny Dancer (female) and Cindy Leaper (male) are now part of the wild Kroombit chorus.

A Kids Book for Conservation Champions

In more heartwarming news, the conservation story of the Kroombit Tinkerfrog has now been immortalised in a new children’s book, Tink Tink Tink by author Sarah Eccleston. This is Sarah’s second conservation-themed book, and it tells the story of the species through the eyes of young readers – highlighting the incredible work of Mikey and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary team as they fight to save this tiny frog from extinction.

Tink Tink Tink is available to order online, with copies coming soon to Sanctuary Gifts at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

With science, passion, and a few storybook heroes, we’re working to ensure the Kroombit Tinkerfrog has a wild future – and continues to inspire young conservationists for years to come.