A University of Canberra (UC) researcher is monitoring the endangered northern corroboree frog using DNA technology.
Researchers from the UC’s Institute of Applied Ecology (IAE) have developed sensitive and cost-effective methods to monitor the survival of captive-bred northern corroboree frogs (Pseudophryne pengilleyi) after their release into the wild.
The method detects traces of DNA frogs leave behind in pond water such as skin and secretions, in a process called environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring. This study is published in Wildlife Research.
Lead researcher Jack Rojahn said the corroboree frog was an iconic Australian species.
“Like many amphibians worldwide they have been decimated by a disease caused by the chytrid fungus and are now endangered,” Mr Rojahn said
“Scientists have invested a great deal to conserve the corroboree frog through captive breeding programs, and we hope this study can complement the work they do.”
He said researchers from the IAE introduced captive-bred northern corroboree eggs to three small frog-free ponds in the Brindabella Ranges. Water samples were taken immediately before the introduction of eggs, and on a number of days after.
After processing, the samples were analysed and showed a perfect match to a DNA sequence from the northern corroboree frog.
Corroboree frog DNA was detected at all sites at some point during the study period, but at only two sites after 78 days.
“Our eDNA monitoring project proved it is possible to detect corroboree frog DNA in pond water after the release of eggs,” Mr Rojahn said.
“This information could be useful in understanding the timing and cause of population failure once introduced to the wild.
“This can provide information that may be critical for conservation and management decisions that aid corroboree frog survival.”
He said the next step was to continue the monitoring over the summer breeding season, and could be extended to other frog species.
“Some species have been able to develop some resistance to the chytrid fungus, and I’m hoping that the corroboree frog can do the same,” Mr Rojahn said.
