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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Environment
Petra Stock

FOUND: Tiny functionally extinct frog could be saved after scientists sequence genome - What They Never Told You

Tiny black and yellow frog perched on a finger wearing a blue glove
The ancient corroboree frog survives only in the temporary pools and peat bogs of Kosciuszko national park in New South Wales, with the help of zoo breeding and re-introduction programs. Photograph: Corey Doughty

Scientists have sequenced the genome of the critically endangered southern corroboree frog – one of Australia’s most threatened amphibians – in hope that the information could be used to aid its recovery.

The striking alpine frog, which has distinctive yellow and black markings, is so threatened by disease and the drying of its habitat due to climate change, that it is considered “functionally extinct”. The species survives in the temporary pools and peat bogs of Kosciuszko national park in New South Wales, with the help of zoo breeding and re-introduction programs.

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