Pepeketua a rare Hamilton’s frog specie released into the wild at Zealandia
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Loading... - Heather Carter
- 29 Aug 2024
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A wellington ecosanctuary, has successfully released a captive population of the rare Hamilton's frogs (pepeketua) into the wild, marking a significant milestone in the conservation of one of New Zealand's most endangered native frog species. Hamilton's frogs, listed as ‘threatened – nationally vulnerable,’ are among the world’s most endangered frogs, with no other wild populations on the mainland due to habitat loss, disease, and predation.
After 20 years of careful monitoring and research, the frogs were released from their enclosure at Zealandia last week following the completion of a new boardwalk designed to protect the tiny, well-camouflaged frogs from human disturbances. The boardwalk's design prevents the frogs from climbing onto it, safeguarding them from accidental harm.
The decision to release the frogs was made in collaboration with the Department of Conservation's frog recovery group, alongside kaitiaki from Ngāti Kuia and Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika. Zealandia’s general manager of conservation and restoration, Jo Ledington, highlighted that research has demonstrated the frogs’ ability to survive alongside kiwi and mice, a critical finding that will inform future conservation efforts.
"With the species now fully wild, we can investigate more complex questions that will have important implications for their conservation nationally," Ledington noted. The frogs are especially vulnerable due to their sensitive skin, which makes them prone to disease, pollution, and environmental changes, and they face significant threats from introduced mammalian predators.
The released frogs originally came from Te Pākeka/Maud Island and a captive population at Canterbury University, and they were first translocated to Zealandia in 2005. Initially housed in three enclosed pens to protect them from predators, their gradual release over the years tested their ability to survive in the sanctuary’s ecosystem, which includes low levels of mice and kiwi. Surveys revealed that the frogs adapted well, showing promising signs of population growth, including the presence of pregnant females and young froglets.
Zealandia will continue to monitor the newly released pepeketua population as they disperse, contributing valuable data to the ongoing conservation of this rare and precious species.
