Jan. 26, 2011

DENVER ZOO REACHES IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN EFFORTS TO CONSERVE THE LAKE TITICACA FROG - Successful Conservation Trip Includes Creation of an Action Plan to Save the Species

Recent efforts by Denver Zoo and Peruvian colleagues have resulted in a major milestone in efforts to conserve the endangered Lake Titicaca frog. Staff just returned from a trip to Peru where they pursued one of the zoo's main conservation projects, protecting the future of that species. Since 2007, Denver Zoo has supplied expertise and about $100,000 in support of the species. In December, staff assisted in the breeding of frogs at a new exhibit at the Huachipa Zoo in Lima, met with wildlife experts from around the globe to strategize ways to preserve the frogs, and observed the frogs in their native habitat.

Denver Zoo's first stop was the Huachipa Zoo for the grand opening of the zoo's new amphibian exhibit, which Denver Zoo helped design and fund. The exhibit aims to educate the public about the plight of amphibians in South America and teach guests what they can do to save them. Among other species, the exhibit includes Lake Titicaca frogs, possibly making Huachipa the only zoo exhibit in the world to feature this fascinating high altitude frog. After a local university supplied two extra frogs and Denver Zoo staff adjusted the exhibit's conditions to stimulate breeding, one of the frogs quickly laid eggs and five tadpoles hatched. Laying fertile eggs alone represents a significant accomplishment and hatching tadpoles signifies a major milestone in Denver Zoo's efforts to captively breeding the species. Unfortunately the tadpoles didn't survive.

"We were thrilled to be part of this successful breeding and remain optimistic that this will eventually lead to an increase in numbers of these amazing frogs," said Denver Zoo Area Supervisor Tom Weaver. "While we considered the experience a major step in the right direction, the fact that the tadpoles did not survive proved we still had much to learn about this fragile species and validated our need for further study."

Staff also took part in a workshop with experts and organizations from around the world to develop an action plan to study and save the species. The workshop covered topics such as community education, captive breeding and threat mitigation. Attendees will use the results from the workshop to make recommendations to the Peruvian government.

Finally, staff traveled to Lake Titicaca to observe frogs in their native habitat. Denver Zoo plans to conduct surveys in 2011 to analyze the biodiversity of all frogs in the lake, estimate the population of Lake Titicaca frogs and assess the risk of future threats from chytrid, a fungus deadly to frogs. Biologists will also obtain frogs from law enforcement officers who confiscate illegally acquired animals to begin breeding an assurance population in Peru.

The Lake Titicaca frog, the world's largest aquatic frog, lives only in and near its namesake lake. Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake, lying about 12,500 feet above sea level and straddling the Peruvian and Bolivian border. The frogs can grow up to 20 inches long and weigh more than 2 pounds. The species' saggy, seemingly excessive skin absorbs oxygen, allowing them to remain submerged indefinitely while still "breathing" through their skin

A 2004 study found the frog species in major decline and resulted in its addition to the Red List as a critically endangered species. Accurately estimating the number of Lake Titicaca frogs in the wild is difficult given the size and depth of the lake. They face extinction due to overharvesting, habitat loss, and pollution. Although illegal, people harvest the frogs for shake-like drinks that they believe will enhance virility.

To save Lake Titicaca frogs and other amphibians, Denver Zoo will continue its commitment to amphibian conservation both by focusing on threats to Lake Titicaca frog populations and addressing the global amphibian crisis in Peru and around the world. To learn more about Denver Zoo's Lake Titicaca frog project and other conservation projects visit their website www.denverzoo.org.