Southern Stuttering Frog
Breed to release
Southern Stuttering Frog Program
Species: Stuttering Frog
Scientific Name: Mixophyes australis
Conservation Status: Endangered
In the wake of the devastating 2019–2020 bushfires that caused widespread destruction to Australia’s wildlife, the Australian Government launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at supporting wildlife rehabilitation and recovery efforts. The program provided vital funding to zoos, wildlife parks, animal hospitals, and community organisations across the country, helping to rescue, treat, and rehabilitate animals impacted by the fires. The funding also supported critical captive breeding programs for species facing heightened risks of extinction due to habitat loss.
Symbio Wildlife Park was honoured to be selected as one of just nine facilities nationwide to participate in this vital recovery program, in partnership with the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA). After a thorough assessment, Symbio received funding to establish state-of-the-art conservation facilities for three highly endangered species: the Southern Stuttering Frog (Mixophyes australis), the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (Myuchelys georgesi), and the Manning River Snapping Turtle (Flaviemys purvis). These species were among the most heavily impacted by the fires, and their continued survival relies on focused conservation efforts and habitat restoration.
With the completion of our new conservation facility in 2022, Symbio Wildlife Park made significant strides in its mission to protect these unique and endangered species.
Among the first to benefit from this facility were approximately 200 Southern Stuttering Frog tadpoles, which were carefully introduced into the program. This marks a major milestone in the development of a robust breeding and reintroduction strategy aimed at restoring this species to its natural habitat.
The Southern Stuttering Frog, once considered geographically extinct from many parts of its range, is now being reintroduced to the wilds of the Illawarra and South Coast regions. This recovery program is not only a critical step in the survival of the Southern Stuttering Frog, but also a broader effort to restore the biodiversity of these ecosystems. By returning these frogs to their native environments, we are contributing to the long-term health and resilience of these important habitats.
Symbio Wildlife Park is deeply committed to being at the forefront of conservation efforts, working tirelessly to ensure that Australia’s wildlife, including these incredible species, has the best chance of survival. Our involvement in the government’s recovery program is a testament to our dedication to preserving our nation’s unique biodiversity and supporting the recovery of wildlife populations devastated by the fires.
Through continued collaboration with expert partners and our passionate team, we are hopeful that these conservation programs will not only secure a future for these species but will also set the stage for other successful recovery projects across Australia.