Virginia and Alex Bourdeau visitors to the Amphibian Research Centre, from Oregon, USA. 13/1/2003
Audio files: Research Activities - Southern Toadlet - Water Holding Frog

Frogs and tadpoles are raised in controlled conditions. Every care is taken to avoid the spread of disease.

Tadpoles raised in conditions to prevent the spread of disease. Note each tank has it's own net.
 

Each little container has one Spotted Tree Frog due to be released in August Sept 2003

Victorian frog group - Spotted Tree Frog
Audio on Spotted Tree Frog and the problem with introduced trout.



Other Victorian endangered frogs

Program Responsibilities:

• Natural science curriculum

• Plant science curriculum

• Outdoor experiential education

• Camping leadership training

• 4-H Center educational programs

Our trip to Victoria and New South Wales, Australia was truly the trip of a life time for both of us.  After two years of planning it went by all too quickly.  We meet many new friends and colleagues along the way.  By far the outstanding highlight of the our three weeks was the two days spent learning about the wetlands rehabilitation project in Morwell and the work of the Amphibian Research Center with Max Sargent.  Max’s dedication and enthusiasm are contagious!

In Oregon, we also have schools who use wetlands for study where students, parents and teachers work to rehabilitate them as needed.  Some of these are natural wetlands, and some, like the Morwell project, are created to make up for natural areas that have been harmed by development.   In addition, our 4-H Wildlife Stewards program assists teachers to create school yard habitats for wildlife that often include a created pond or wetland.  Natural areas are the perfect learning laboratory for learners to practice science inquiry skills.  In April, Max Sargent will visit some of these sites on his study tour to Oregon.

In my role as leader of Oregon’s 4-H Natural Science Program (Wildlife, Forestry, Soils, Geology, Fisheries, Entomology, Plants/Horticulture, and Marine Science) I hope to obtain funding to support development of innovative science inquiry materials that focus on Oregon’s amphibian populations and the current impact of the chytrid fungus in Oregon.  This new curriculum will include a mutli-cultural component and an internet/E-mail sharing of research information between learners in Oregon, USA and Victoria, Australia.
 

Corroboree Frog Captive Breeding Program.

They are released back to the wild to get the critical numbers for natural breeding and increase of the population.

 
Chytrid fungus research program.
CSIRO Frog Killer video clip
CSIRO photos of chytrid fungus on frog skin
World map showing distribution of chytrid fungus


A cure?

A range of anti-fungal drugs is currently being tested by researchers at the CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Laboratory. Those that show promise will be trialled on tadpoles at the Amphibian Research Centre. It's hope that these drugs could one day be used to treat tadpoles collected from the wild. The tadpoles could then be kept in a fungus-free environment until they metamorphose, at which point the young frogs would be released back to where the tadpoles were collected.  

How chytrid fungus effects the frog at different stages of development
Amphibian Diseases Home Page

Anti-fungal drugs are being trialed on cultured fungi at CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL). The promising treatments are then tested on fungus-infected tadpoles at the Amphibian Research Centre.

The researchers believe they can successfully grow Australia's tadpoles into healthy frogs, as long as they are chytrid fungus free. An effective treatment could be a life-line for some of Australia's declining frog species.

ABC radio interview 03/02/03:  Gerry Marantelli's latest developments in detecting chytrid fungus.

Other Related Media articles

Introduced species: The cane toad
CSIRO - Cane toad advance -

Flying cane toads

In Australia Bufo marinus (cane toad), a species introduced in 1935 to control cane insect pests. The area which they occupy has continued to expand. The toad has a poisonous secretion that is extremely toxic and should be handled with care at all times.

         
Listen to audio by linking to the picture on the left.