Joburg Zoo to conduct the largest release of Pickersgill’s Reed Frogs in Southern Africa

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is excited to conduct the largest release of Pickersgill’s reed frogs, 400 in total, in Buffelsdraai, KwaZulu-Natal on 10 November.

What began as an ambitious project with 20 frogs in 2007, has already seen the release of hundreds of frogs to populate this small area of KZN.

The project is run in partnership with KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife, The Endangered Wildlife Trust and the South African Biodiversity Institute.

The endangered species of frogs measuring 2.5cm in length are endemic to the area of 25 small wetlands between St Lucia and Amanzimtoti.

Speaking to media at the public event on 23 October, MMC for Community Development Margaret Arnolds said what began as an ambitious journey had played an important role in safeguarding ecosystems.

Animal welfare manager Piet Malepa explained that the species were dying as a result of the chytrid fungus (an infectious disease that affects amphibians worldwide) and development in the KZN area.

“We check on the released frogs each year and have been excited to see that the frogs are still alive and the numbers are increasing. The frogs feed on malaria-carrying mosquitoes so their declining population means more malaria,” said Malepa.

The zoo has also drawn up an animal husbandry manual for the species during the period in which they have bred and cared for the frogs.

Curator for amphibians Ian du Plessis said frogs were an indicator species, with their decline becoming a critical warning sign to monitor the health of ecosystems.

Du Plessis added that it had been challenging to breed and maintain the captive-bred frogs through their seven life stages and maintain each specimen to optimal health.

The release to be conducted on 10 November is the largest release of these frogs in Southern Africa.

Related articles:

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Joburg Zoo releases 70 endangered Pickersgill’s reed frogs in KZN