First captive bred, critically endangered Kroombit tinkerfrogs released into the wild – just in time for World Frog Day!
This World Frog Day (March 20), the team at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary have plenty of reasons to celebrate, with the first group of captive bred Kroombit Tinkerfrogs released into the wild after years of research and dedication.
This exciting update on efforts to recover this critically endangered frog species has been made possible thanks to the ongoing partnership between Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), the Queensland Frog Society (QFS), Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) and the Australian Government.
In 2020 Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary was the first organisation in the world to successfully breed a critically endangered Kroombit tinkerfrog in captivity.
Three years later, and following more breeding success, the team have just released 24 frogs at Kroombit Tops National Park, to boost population numbers. Another 29 captive bred tinkerfrogs are planned for a second release later this month.
A team of conservationists from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service travelled to the remote Kroombit Tops National Park with the special cargo last week.
This is a huge milestone for the conservation of this species.
Kroombit tinkerfrogs are on the brink of extinction, with an estimated 150 individuals left in the wild.
“We are so excited that we have reached this point in our Kroombit tinkerfrog conservation program. The release went really well, and we’ll now monitor the population very closely, with hopes they’ll breed in the wild and numbers will increase.” – Amphibian Specialist Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Michael Vella
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have deployed bio-acoustic recorders across the range of the Kroombit tinkerfrog. The program's success will be assessed by monitoring calling activity at the release sites.
“QPWS is proud to be working with all of the partners involved to support the recovery of this unique frog species. We are hopeful that the now-released frogs will thrive in their natural environment and will continue to improve populations in the wild.” – QPWS Senior Conservation Officer Harry Hines
Australian Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek says “World Frog Day is a great chance to celebrate the work being done by conservation organisations like Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.”
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary recently received a $562,000 Bushfire Recovery for Wildlife and Habitat grant to improve their breeding and conservation facilities for the Kroombit Tinker Frog – with outstanding results.
“I was delighted to hear that the first group of captive-bred Kroombit Tinkerfrogs have just been released into the wild. This is so important as the Kroombit Tinkerfrogs are on the brink of extinction. Until recently it was estimated only 150 were left in the wild.
“This program brings hope that we can protect these beautiful frogs for the future.” - Australian Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek.
Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan also Scanlon congratulated the team on the success of releasing the frogs into the national park.
“Queensland is home to the most biodiversity in the country. Efforts like this are an important part of making sure we can protect our threatened species,” Minister Scanlon said.
“It’s why we’re investing close to $40 million for more action on threatened species and Koalas, as well as the biggest amount in our state’s history - $262.5 million – to expand and create new protected areas.”
For more information and to donate to the Kroombit Tinkerfrog conservation program:
To purchase a Kroombit Tinkerfrog Wishlist item:
To donate to our Kroombit Tinkerfrog GoFundMe: