Rare frogs hop back into wild to stop species croaking
The northern corroboree frogs were bred at Sydney's Taronga Zoo before being released in Brindabella National Park, west of Canberra.
It's estimated as few as 1200 of the frogs remain in the wild, with 544 bred in captivity before being released in the park.
They weigh about three grams and are roughly the size of a paperclip, but the black and yellow amphibians play an important role in Australia's sub-alpine ecosystem.
The calls of previously released frogs have been heard in the wild, proof they can thrive after leaving their captive-breeding environment.
"This is the largest frog release within this population to date," Taronga Conservation Society Australia conservation officer Michael McFadden said.
Future releases are planned to help bolster the survival of the species, which is only found between 750-1800m above sea level along mountain ranges in NSW and the ACT.
The frogs were bred as part of NSW government program to prevent endangered species from going extinct and is among other "rewilding" efforts taking place around the nation.
The process involves restoring habitats and re-introducing captive-bred threatened species to the wild in a bid to reduce biodiversity loss.
Quolls previously extinct on mainland Australia have been re-introduced in feral-free sanctuary zones, as well as Tasmanian devils.
Platypuses, bettongs and bilbies have also been reintroduced in recent years to areas where they previously become extinct.
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Perth Now
a day ago
- Perth Now
Rare frogs hop back into wild to stop species croaking
More than 500 critically endangered frogs have been released in a national park as part of efforts to save them from extinction. The northern corroboree frogs were bred at Sydney's Taronga Zoo before being released in Brindabella National Park, west of Canberra. It's estimated as few as 1200 of the frogs remain in the wild, with 544 bred in captivity before being released in the park. They weigh about three grams and are roughly the size of a paperclip, but the black and yellow amphibians play an important role in Australia's sub-alpine ecosystem. The calls of previously released frogs have been heard in the wild, proof they can thrive after leaving their captive-breeding environment. "This is the largest frog release within this population to date," Taronga Conservation Society Australia conservation officer Michael McFadden said. Future releases are planned to help bolster the survival of the species, which is only found between 750-1800m above sea level along mountain ranges in NSW and the ACT. The frogs were bred as part of NSW government program to prevent endangered species from going extinct and is among other "rewilding" efforts taking place around the nation. The process involves restoring habitats and re-introducing captive-bred threatened species to the wild in a bid to reduce biodiversity loss. Quolls previously extinct on mainland Australia have been re-introduced in feral-free sanctuary zones, as well as Tasmanian devils. Platypuses, bettongs and bilbies have also been reintroduced in recent years to areas where they previously become extinct.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
Why this neuroscientist says lauding unsung Aussie achievers is a no-brainer
Neuroscientist Lila Landowski is considered a leading voice in science, technology, engineering and mathematics advocacy. A senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Tasmania and vice president of Science and Technology Australia, she's previously been declared a "superstar of STEM" and anointed a "science superhero" by Australia's Chief Scientist. Which perhaps explains her other super power: spotting outstanding Australians. Two people nominated by Dr Landowski for the Australian of the Year Awards have gone on to receive the prestigious honour: scientist Dr Katrina Wruck, who is the 2025 Young Australian of the Year; and performer Naarah, Tasmania's Young Australian of the Year in 2024. Dr Landowski has been nominating people for the Australian of the Year Awards for a decade. She says the awards are the ideal platform for shining a spotlight on the country's unsung achievers. A Tasmanian nominee for the awards in 2015, Dr Landowski said she was motivated to nominate Naarah because she believed the First Nations actor and musician had "continuously pushed boundaries, challenged norms and created work that is not only artistically captivating but also socially relevant". "It is a very rare thing to meet someone and have an instant sense of knowing that one day they will change the world," she said. "Since meeting her, I have only grown more certain of my initial impression. Her performances and advocacy has moved audiences and sparked important conversations about Indigenous culture, identity, and representation." Dr Landowski nominated Indigenous Queensland scientist Dr Wruck for her work in remote Aboriginal communities and leadership in the field of industrial chemistry and materials for environmental remediation. "She's an awesome role model," she said of Dr Wruck, who is a member of Science and Technology Australia's diversity equity and inclusion committee. "She was once paid to give a talk - a rarity in science - and instead of spending the money on herself, she used it to travel on Country and teach science to kids in a remote Indigenous community. In a profession where the hours are long, the pay is modest and personal sacrifices are common ... choosing to spend a rare financial win to give back like that is an extraordinary act of generosity." Dr Landowski said the Australian of the Year Awards were "a platform for extraordinary individuals to amplify their voices, share their stories and create broader social impact". "The recognition validates their efforts and helps them reach wider audiences with their important work," she said. "If we pay attention and lift each other up, we'll diversify who gets seen and who gets celebrated. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "As someone from a marginalised background and disadvantaged upbringing, my life could have turned out very differently. Having people who believed in me and think that I was doing things that were important, and acknowledging me for that, I can't explain how important that was to me as a person." Dr Landowski said the awards showcased a diversity of voices: "These are people who have overcome hardship, people with this insatiable drive to succeed, or people who have done something that is really unusual. They've tried to make their lives into something bigger than it could be". The impact of the recognition went far beyond the recipient. "It will inspire others through elevating diverse representations of leadership and authenticity," she said. "Just like the people who nominated me in the past changed my life, we have the power to do the same for others." Dr Landowski: "I nominate people for awards because it fills me with joy and a deep sense of gratitude. It costs nothing but time, and it can change a life. Every time I help someone else, I'm reminded of the people who once did that for me. "Everyone I have nominated has something about them that has struck me, which forms the basis of their story in the application. A spark. A drive. A quirky passion project that turned into something bigger. A sacrifice. Overcoming adversity. That's the foundation of their story. What is it about the nominee that makes their journey different?" Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31. Neuroscientist Lila Landowski is considered a leading voice in science, technology, engineering and mathematics advocacy. A senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Tasmania and vice president of Science and Technology Australia, she's previously been declared a "superstar of STEM" and anointed a "science superhero" by Australia's Chief Scientist. Which perhaps explains her other super power: spotting outstanding Australians. Two people nominated by Dr Landowski for the Australian of the Year Awards have gone on to receive the prestigious honour: scientist Dr Katrina Wruck, who is the 2025 Young Australian of the Year; and performer Naarah, Tasmania's Young Australian of the Year in 2024. Dr Landowski has been nominating people for the Australian of the Year Awards for a decade. She says the awards are the ideal platform for shining a spotlight on the country's unsung achievers. A Tasmanian nominee for the awards in 2015, Dr Landowski said she was motivated to nominate Naarah because she believed the First Nations actor and musician had "continuously pushed boundaries, challenged norms and created work that is not only artistically captivating but also socially relevant". "It is a very rare thing to meet someone and have an instant sense of knowing that one day they will change the world," she said. "Since meeting her, I have only grown more certain of my initial impression. Her performances and advocacy has moved audiences and sparked important conversations about Indigenous culture, identity, and representation." Dr Landowski nominated Indigenous Queensland scientist Dr Wruck for her work in remote Aboriginal communities and leadership in the field of industrial chemistry and materials for environmental remediation. "She's an awesome role model," she said of Dr Wruck, who is a member of Science and Technology Australia's diversity equity and inclusion committee. "She was once paid to give a talk - a rarity in science - and instead of spending the money on herself, she used it to travel on Country and teach science to kids in a remote Indigenous community. In a profession where the hours are long, the pay is modest and personal sacrifices are common ... choosing to spend a rare financial win to give back like that is an extraordinary act of generosity." Dr Landowski said the Australian of the Year Awards were "a platform for extraordinary individuals to amplify their voices, share their stories and create broader social impact". "The recognition validates their efforts and helps them reach wider audiences with their important work," she said. "If we pay attention and lift each other up, we'll diversify who gets seen and who gets celebrated. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "As someone from a marginalised background and disadvantaged upbringing, my life could have turned out very differently. Having people who believed in me and think that I was doing things that were important, and acknowledging me for that, I can't explain how important that was to me as a person." Dr Landowski said the awards showcased a diversity of voices: "These are people who have overcome hardship, people with this insatiable drive to succeed, or people who have done something that is really unusual. They've tried to make their lives into something bigger than it could be". The impact of the recognition went far beyond the recipient. "It will inspire others through elevating diverse representations of leadership and authenticity," she said. "Just like the people who nominated me in the past changed my life, we have the power to do the same for others." Dr Landowski: "I nominate people for awards because it fills me with joy and a deep sense of gratitude. It costs nothing but time, and it can change a life. Every time I help someone else, I'm reminded of the people who once did that for me. "Everyone I have nominated has something about them that has struck me, which forms the basis of their story in the application. A spark. A drive. A quirky passion project that turned into something bigger. A sacrifice. Overcoming adversity. That's the foundation of their story. What is it about the nominee that makes their journey different?" Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31. Neuroscientist Lila Landowski is considered a leading voice in science, technology, engineering and mathematics advocacy. A senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Tasmania and vice president of Science and Technology Australia, she's previously been declared a "superstar of STEM" and anointed a "science superhero" by Australia's Chief Scientist. Which perhaps explains her other super power: spotting outstanding Australians. Two people nominated by Dr Landowski for the Australian of the Year Awards have gone on to receive the prestigious honour: scientist Dr Katrina Wruck, who is the 2025 Young Australian of the Year; and performer Naarah, Tasmania's Young Australian of the Year in 2024. Dr Landowski has been nominating people for the Australian of the Year Awards for a decade. She says the awards are the ideal platform for shining a spotlight on the country's unsung achievers. A Tasmanian nominee for the awards in 2015, Dr Landowski said she was motivated to nominate Naarah because she believed the First Nations actor and musician had "continuously pushed boundaries, challenged norms and created work that is not only artistically captivating but also socially relevant". "It is a very rare thing to meet someone and have an instant sense of knowing that one day they will change the world," she said. "Since meeting her, I have only grown more certain of my initial impression. Her performances and advocacy has moved audiences and sparked important conversations about Indigenous culture, identity, and representation." Dr Landowski nominated Indigenous Queensland scientist Dr Wruck for her work in remote Aboriginal communities and leadership in the field of industrial chemistry and materials for environmental remediation. "She's an awesome role model," she said of Dr Wruck, who is a member of Science and Technology Australia's diversity equity and inclusion committee. "She was once paid to give a talk - a rarity in science - and instead of spending the money on herself, she used it to travel on Country and teach science to kids in a remote Indigenous community. In a profession where the hours are long, the pay is modest and personal sacrifices are common ... choosing to spend a rare financial win to give back like that is an extraordinary act of generosity." Dr Landowski said the Australian of the Year Awards were "a platform for extraordinary individuals to amplify their voices, share their stories and create broader social impact". "The recognition validates their efforts and helps them reach wider audiences with their important work," she said. "If we pay attention and lift each other up, we'll diversify who gets seen and who gets celebrated. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "As someone from a marginalised background and disadvantaged upbringing, my life could have turned out very differently. Having people who believed in me and think that I was doing things that were important, and acknowledging me for that, I can't explain how important that was to me as a person." Dr Landowski said the awards showcased a diversity of voices: "These are people who have overcome hardship, people with this insatiable drive to succeed, or people who have done something that is really unusual. They've tried to make their lives into something bigger than it could be". The impact of the recognition went far beyond the recipient. "It will inspire others through elevating diverse representations of leadership and authenticity," she said. "Just like the people who nominated me in the past changed my life, we have the power to do the same for others." Dr Landowski: "I nominate people for awards because it fills me with joy and a deep sense of gratitude. It costs nothing but time, and it can change a life. Every time I help someone else, I'm reminded of the people who once did that for me. "Everyone I have nominated has something about them that has struck me, which forms the basis of their story in the application. A spark. A drive. A quirky passion project that turned into something bigger. A sacrifice. Overcoming adversity. That's the foundation of their story. What is it about the nominee that makes their journey different?" Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31. Neuroscientist Lila Landowski is considered a leading voice in science, technology, engineering and mathematics advocacy. A senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Tasmania and vice president of Science and Technology Australia, she's previously been declared a "superstar of STEM" and anointed a "science superhero" by Australia's Chief Scientist. Which perhaps explains her other super power: spotting outstanding Australians. Two people nominated by Dr Landowski for the Australian of the Year Awards have gone on to receive the prestigious honour: scientist Dr Katrina Wruck, who is the 2025 Young Australian of the Year; and performer Naarah, Tasmania's Young Australian of the Year in 2024. Dr Landowski has been nominating people for the Australian of the Year Awards for a decade. She says the awards are the ideal platform for shining a spotlight on the country's unsung achievers. A Tasmanian nominee for the awards in 2015, Dr Landowski said she was motivated to nominate Naarah because she believed the First Nations actor and musician had "continuously pushed boundaries, challenged norms and created work that is not only artistically captivating but also socially relevant". "It is a very rare thing to meet someone and have an instant sense of knowing that one day they will change the world," she said. "Since meeting her, I have only grown more certain of my initial impression. Her performances and advocacy has moved audiences and sparked important conversations about Indigenous culture, identity, and representation." Dr Landowski nominated Indigenous Queensland scientist Dr Wruck for her work in remote Aboriginal communities and leadership in the field of industrial chemistry and materials for environmental remediation. "She's an awesome role model," she said of Dr Wruck, who is a member of Science and Technology Australia's diversity equity and inclusion committee. "She was once paid to give a talk - a rarity in science - and instead of spending the money on herself, she used it to travel on Country and teach science to kids in a remote Indigenous community. In a profession where the hours are long, the pay is modest and personal sacrifices are common ... choosing to spend a rare financial win to give back like that is an extraordinary act of generosity." Dr Landowski said the Australian of the Year Awards were "a platform for extraordinary individuals to amplify their voices, share their stories and create broader social impact". "The recognition validates their efforts and helps them reach wider audiences with their important work," she said. "If we pay attention and lift each other up, we'll diversify who gets seen and who gets celebrated. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "As someone from a marginalised background and disadvantaged upbringing, my life could have turned out very differently. Having people who believed in me and think that I was doing things that were important, and acknowledging me for that, I can't explain how important that was to me as a person." Dr Landowski said the awards showcased a diversity of voices: "These are people who have overcome hardship, people with this insatiable drive to succeed, or people who have done something that is really unusual. They've tried to make their lives into something bigger than it could be". The impact of the recognition went far beyond the recipient. "It will inspire others through elevating diverse representations of leadership and authenticity," she said. "Just like the people who nominated me in the past changed my life, we have the power to do the same for others." Dr Landowski: "I nominate people for awards because it fills me with joy and a deep sense of gratitude. It costs nothing but time, and it can change a life. Every time I help someone else, I'm reminded of the people who once did that for me. "Everyone I have nominated has something about them that has struck me, which forms the basis of their story in the application. A spark. A drive. A quirky passion project that turned into something bigger. A sacrifice. Overcoming adversity. That's the foundation of their story. What is it about the nominee that makes their journey different?" Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31.
The Age
25-06-2025
- The Age
When kelpie-cross Kip sits down while riding a paddle board, scientists pay attention
In May 2024, on a rocky expanse of tussock-grassland on Melbourne's western outskirts, Zoos Victoria detection dog officer Nick Rutter observed his canine colleague Daisy suddenly cease her nose-down sweep of the terrain and sit down. Turning her head, her eyes caught his as if to say, Nick, you're going to want to see this. With a quickening heart, Rutter caught up to Daisy – a small, eight-year-old Lagotto Romagnolo with a brown woolly coat as tight as an '80s perm – and spied in the dirt beside her a tiny burrow, into which he fed an endoscope camera. 'And I could see this tiny, gorgeous [Victorian grassless] earless dragon face peering back at me,' Rutter says, referring to the 15-centimetre-long creature – the most imperilled reptile in Australia. 'It was an absolutely amazing, career-defining moment. A moment of joy.' Estimates of the sensitivity of dog noses relative to human noses vary wildly, from 10,000 to 1 million times more sensitive. Whatever the number, it explains why humans have long made use of dogs' highly tuned olfactory abilities to aid them in everything from hunting game to detecting cadavers, drugs, explosives, cancer – and endangered species. As of June this year, Rutter and his (human and canine) colleagues at Zoos Victoria's Wildlife Detection Dog Program have assisted threatened-species biologists in finding 15 Victorian grassland earless dragons, a species not seen for half a century and thought extinct until one was found in 2023. The dog squad, based at Healesville Sanctuary within the Coranderrk Bushland Nature Conservation Reserve 60 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, isn't only searching for the tiny reptile, which is now the subject of a breeding program. The squad's five dogs are also trained to sniff out broad-toothed rats, Tasmanian devils, Baw Baw frogs and platypuses. In lieu of a salary and superannuation, the dogs, who live on site, are compensated with hugs, treats, soft toys and play. 'We call it a 'party',' says Rutter, who was never allowed a dog growing up and is now making up for it. 'So when they find their target, we kind of get down on our hands and knees and have a party with them. Some of the dogs really like a tennis ball and to let off a lot of steam. Some like a high-value reward, like a nice bit of boiled-up venison or some chicken. Daisy, she's a cuddler.' The training process is a slow one, says Naomi Hodgens, fellow detection-dog team member along with La Toya Jamieson and Rutter. Over about nine months, trainers begin familiarising the dogs with their new target while teaching them to ignore competing odours. Eventually, the dogs are taken out into the field to find their species in situ. Loading Hodgens and Jamieson are currently surveying platypus numbers within the Coranderrk Creek. To combat some of the hard-to-access bushland, Kip, a 10-year-old kelpie-cross, and Moss, a six-year-old labrador, have each been trained by Jamieson to stand on the bow of paddle boards while Hodgens and Jamieson navigate through the creek. When the boards come within a metre or two of an occupied platypus burrow, which can be hidden from human view, the dogs sit and point their noses in the direction of the burrow.
