Chile Launches Initiative to Protect Endangered Darwin’s Frog

Chile has taken significant steps to preserve the endangered Darwin’s frog, a small amphibian characterized by its leaf-like skin, in which male frogs transport their tadpoles in pouches inside their mouths. The initiative, introduced by the Chilean government’s climate change and sustainability committee, is focused on protecting critical habitats and breeding grounds, which includes collaboration with private landowners.

the endangered Southern Darwin’s frog (Rhinoderma darwinii) and the critically endangered Northern Darwin’s frog (Rhinoderma rufum), the latter of which is on the verge of extinction. With a size of only 3 centimeters, this unique frog was first identified by Charles Darwin in 1834 during his exploration of the southern Chiloe islands in Chile.

Various factors such as forest fires, climate change, invasive species, and urban expansion have significantly impacted the humid forests in southern Chile and Argentina, which are the natural habitats of the Darwin’s frog. According to Charif Tala, who heads the Environment Ministry’s Species Conservation Department, the fragmentation of forests has led to a decline in frog populations in Chile and Argentina to just 62. Monitoring of these populations only commenced in recent years due to a significant drop in numbers.

Andres Valenzuela, who leads the Chilean advocacy organization NGO Ranita de Darwin, expressed optimism regarding the initiative, hoping it will raise awareness of the species' struggles among the public. He stated, “We are very hopeful that this will allow us to improve conservation … and that the people of our country will begin to appreciate these unique and important species we have in our native forests.”