In a bold step that may rewrite the species' trajectory, 1,000 immunised juvenile green and golden bell frogs are being released across the Sydney Olympic Park's wetlands this week.
It's an ambitious effort that could tip the balance against the deadly chytrid fungus and offer new hope for one of New South Wales's most iconic amphibians.
The first of the inoculated frogs were released at dusk at Narawang Wetland, Kronos Hill and the Brickpit, three key habitat sites within Sydney Olympic Park, with the aim of boosting the resident population ahead of winter.
Through comprehensive, long‑term monitoring of survival, health, and behaviour, researchers will evaluate the potential of this immunisation strategy to be applied more broadly in the fight against chytrid fungus.
Marking an important advance in amphibian conservation, Sydney Olympic Park Authority and the NSW Government's Saving our Species program are supporting innovative research led by Dr Anthony Waddle of Macquarie University to trial a chytrid immunisation treatment in the wild for the first time.
The project will test whether immunising juvenile frogs prior to release can help them better resist infection by the fungus and increase survivorship. This will encourage viable populations of green and golden bell frog to repopulate, and allow the species to survive in areas where the pathogen is widespread.
Building on promising laboratory results, this pioneering field trial represents one of the first robust tests of chytrid immunisation as a practical conservation strategy.
This work highlights the continued commitment to science‑based conservation and its leadership in protecting vulnerable species within the parklands.
Despite decades of dedicated conservation work, the species continues to be impacted by chytrid fungus, a deadly pathogen responsible for global amphibian declines, which compounds and interacts with other threats including habitat loss and changes in climate.
Quotes attributed to DCCEEW Executive Director Conservation Programs, Ingrid Emery:
"This unique partnership is delivering long-term benefits as without new interventions, this iconic frog remains at risk of ongoing population decline.
"The project brings together a powerful collaboration between Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Macquarie University, and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water's Saving our Species program.
"Together, we are working to secure the future of one of NSW's most recognisable amphibians while advancing global understanding of amphibian disease management. "
Quotes attributed to Chief Executive of Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Neisha D'Souza:
"Sydney Olympic Park is marking a pivotal moment for wildlife conservation, launching a groundbreaking field trial that could transform the future of the endangered green and golden bell frog.
