53 rare frogs return to Australian forests years after devastating Black Summer fires

Scientists rescued about 160 tadpoles from the ashes of Australia's Black Summer fires, raised the rare species in captivity and have now released 53 giant burrowing frogs into the forests where they were foundThe aftermath of a devastating wildfire can leave more than scorched trees and damaged landscapes. Sometimes, it reveals unexpected survivors.

In Australia's East Gippsland region, a discovery made among the remains of the catastrophic 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires has grown into an extraordinary conservation success. Nearly six years after the fires devastated their habitat, 53 critically endangered Southern Giant Burrowing Frogs have returned to the forests, following years of specialist care and a pioneering captive-breeding programme.From fire survivors to conservation successAccording to ABC News, the frogs were originally discovered as approximately 160 tadpoles in small pockets of water after the fires destroyed extensive areas of their natural habitat.