Green and Golden Bell Frog
Breed to release
Green and Golden Bell Frog Program
Species: Green and Golden Bell Frog
Scientific Name: Litoria aurea
Conservation Status: Near Threatened
In 2017, Symbio Wildlife Park embarked on a critical conservation initiative by establishing a quarantine and breeding facility dedicated to the green and golden bell frog, a species once commonly found in eastern Australia but now increasingly rare. Developed in partnership with Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) under a collaborative conservation contract, this program is focused on breeding, studying, and reintroducing this vibrant frog back into its natural habitat.
Symbio Wildlife Park acquired 18 green and golden bell frogs from the WestConnex M5 extension project, with the explicit mission of safeguarding these founder animals and establishing a breeding population. After undergoing initial quarantine and health screenings, the frogs were transferred to a dedicated facility at Symbio designed to replicate their natural environment and optimize breeding success. Since then, the program has achieved significant milestones in breeding and reintroduction, all while studying the unique needs and behaviours of the species to enhance future conservation efforts.
As of 2024, Symbio Wildlife Park has successfully released over XXXX tadpoles and juvenile frogs back into the wild at two carefully selected sites in Arncliffe and Kurnell. These locations were chosen based on their suitability as reintroduction sites, with enhanced habitats designed to support the species' unique requirements. These releases mark a significant achievement, as the green and golden bell frog had not been observed in these areas for nearly three decades.
Ongoing monitoring and fieldwork surveys are conducted regularly at these sites to assess the health, population growth, and habitat use of the reintroduced frogs. This data is invaluable for adapting our practices and ensuring that our release sites remain viable homes for these frogs, ultimately increasing the likelihood of sustainable population growth.
This conservation initiative is a model of successful collaboration, with Symbio Wildlife Park working closely with RMS and Transport NSW to align strategies and resources. Each partner brings expertise to the table, whether in breeding and care, habitat restoration, or logistics and site management, to achieve shared conservation goals for the green and golden bell frog.
Symbio Wildlife Park is committed to expanding the program's reach and success, with future plans to introduce additional reintroduction sites and further support fieldwork surveys and research. By combining focused breeding and reintroduction efforts with rigorous monitoring and habitat enhancement, the program seeks to strengthen green and golden bell frog populations across the region, paving the way for a future where this species thrives once again in its natural ecosystems.
The Green and Golden Bell Frog Conservation Program also serves as an educational platform. Through public awareness and community engagement, Symbio Wildlife Park strives to foster a deeper understanding of the green and golden bell frog’s plight, encouraging local communities to support and advocate for ongoing conservation efforts.
The dedication and collaboration of Symbio Wildlife Park, the Symbio Conservation Foundation, RMS, and Transport NSW underscore the importance of working together to preserve Australia’s natural heritage. Each milestone in this program brings us closer to securing a future for the green and golden bell frog, aligning with Symbio's broader mission to protect and sustain threatened species.