This abandoned industrial brick pit close to the Parramatta River in Sydney is now essential habitat for the survival of the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog. This species, which used to be abundant across the New South Wales east coast, is finding a welcome haven in this unusual environment. This thriving habitat was once home to a state-owned brickworks that made roughly 3 billion bricks before shuttering in 1988. Today, it has become a focal point of Dr. Anthony Waddle’s conservation efforts.
The Green and Golden Bell Frog population has decreased by up to 90 percent since the 1970s. Habitat loss and disease, most notably the chytrid fungus, are forcing this decline and have led to the extinction of hundreds of frog species around the world. In an effort to address this disturbing status, Dr. Waddle born a breeding program to help recreate this fantastic species.
Breeding Program and Vaccination Strategy
Dr. Waddle’s creative breeding program removes 20 Green and Golden Bell Frogs from the brick pit. Then he brings them to Macquarie University to breed. He hopes to raise hundreds of these distinctive, sexy baby frogs through this program. In addition to this breeding program, a groundbreaking vaccinate-and-release plan aims to boost the survival rate of these frogs.
“A lot of time and resources have gone into making sure that the habitat will support that population,” Dr. Waddle said. The initiative includes constructing 10 road underpasses to facilitate safe movement for the frogs, alongside more than 90 artificial ponds and five kilometers of frog-proof fencing. These improvements are designed to ensure a safe ecosystem for the frogs while restricting human disturbance.
Dr. Waddle expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of this program. “I think a very conservative estimate is they’re about twice as likely to survive the winter epidemic if we treat them.”
Unique Environmental Adaptations
To help increasing frogs’ resistance against chytrid, Dr. Waddle implemented “frog saunas.” These architecturally nuanced, frog-tastic perforations in building blocks provide shelter from frigid temperatures in the wintertime. These saunas give the frogs the ability to thermoregulate, giving them a fighting chance during stressful times.
“These are a passive way to manage chytrid in the environment just by providing a bit of hot habitat,” Dr. Waddle explained. He noted that “the frogs use them to heat their bodies up to get better,” highlighting the importance of thermal management in their recovery.
Dr. Waddle’s strategies are revolutionary even in the Australian context. They are the first step to creating a new habitat intentionally tailored for any animal species in the country. He commented on the unique characteristics of the brick pit: “We’re not actually sure why the frogs have hung out here and not anywhere else,” suggesting that this location may offer unforeseen advantages for the species.
Long-Term Vision for Frog Conservation
The long-term vision for the Golden and Green Bell Frog goes beyond avoiding extinction. The ultimate goal is to have a self-sustaining population that future generations can enjoy. Dr. Waddle has spent more than 10 years working on strategies to fight chytrid in the wild. Now, he is directly implementing these breeding plans in parallel with the captive breeding program.
He noted that no one has ever tried to control chytrid in the middle of a release. This especially underscores the innovative spirit to his work. This combination of vaccination and habitat management is a major advancement for the protection of amphibians from extinction.
