London Zoo starts breeding colony for endangered Darwin’s frogs

Darwin's frogs are a unique species found in the cool rainforests of southern South America. These small frogs, named after Charles Darwin, have a special way of raising their young. Male Darwin's frogs incubate their eggs in their vocal sacs until the young are ready to survive on their own. Unfortunately, Darwin's frogs are facing serious threats. They are highly vulnerable to a deadly disease called chytridiomycosis, caused by a fungus. In the past few decades, this fungus has led to the decline of many frog species worldwide. The problem became worse on Chiloé Island, where Darwin's frogs used to thrive. Recent studies found the chytrid fungus on the island, which experts believe is linked to climate change. In the last two years, an outbreak of the disease has devastated the population of Darwin's frogs on the island, killing more than 90 percent of them. Experts say the frogs can die within weeks of becoming infected. To help save this species from extinction, London Zoo has set up a breeding colony. This effort aims to protect the frogs and keep their unique parenting method alive.