A near-threatened frog species, known as the cinnamon frog, has been successfully bred at the Cotswold Wildlife Park in Oxfordshire. This marks a significant achievement as the park becomes only the second zoological collection in Europe to breed these frogs, with only five other zoos in Europe housing the species.
The cinnamon frog, native to southern Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra, is recognized for its distinct reddish-brown color and black-and-white spots across its body. The species, which grows to around 35mm in length, is facing a perilous state due to the Chytrid fungus, an infectious disease affecting frogs worldwide.
The dedicated reptile team at Cotswold Wildlife Park has been working diligently to perfect breeding techniques in their Amphibian Room. Their efforts have paid off as they have successfully replicated their previous breeding success with the cinnamon frogs. This accomplishment is crucial in light of the declining amphibian populations globally.
The unique call of the cinnamon frog, described as delicate, beautiful, and unusual, adds to the fascination surrounding these creatures. The park's reptile keepers have named the froglets after various colored spices such as paprika, cayenne, saffron, chipotle, and chili, reflecting the frog's cinnamon-like appearance.
Save The Frogs Day, an annual campaign held on April 28, aims to raise awareness about the decline in frog populations and works towards protecting amphibians from extinction. The successful breeding of cinnamon frogs at Cotswold Wildlife Park serves as a beacon of hope for the conservation of these fascinating creatures.
