Gastric-brooding frog

Gastric-brooding Frog

The gastric-brooding frog refers to two species of extinct frogs in the genus *Rheobatrachus*, native to Queensland, Australia. These unique amphibians were known for their remarkable reproductive method, where the female would swallow her fertilized eggs and brood them in her stomach.

Species

The genus *Rheobatrachus* consisted of two species:

• Rheobatrachus silus
• Rheobatrachus vitellinus

Reproductive Method

The gastric-brooding frogs were notable for their extraordinary reproductive strategy. After external fertilization, the female would ingest the eggs, which would then develop into tadpoles and eventually into juvenile frogs within her stomach. During this period, the female ceased feeding and her stomach acid production was suppressed to allow the young to develop safely.

Discovery and Extinction

The first species, *Rheobatrachus silus*, was discovered in 1972 in the Blackall Range of Queensland. The second species, *Rheobatrachus vitellinus*, was discovered in 1984 in the Eungella National Park. Unfortunately, both species are now considered extinct, with the last confirmed sighting of *Rheobatrachus silus* in the wild occurring in 1981 and *Rheobatrachus vitellinus* in 1985.

Causes of Extinction

The exact causes of the extinction of the gastric-brooding frogs are not fully understood, but several factors are believed to have contributed, including habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and the introduction of diseases such as chytridiomycosis, caused by the chytrid fungus.

Conservation Efforts

Despite their extinction, there have been efforts to "de-extinct" the gastric-brooding frogs through cloning and other advanced reproductive technologies. These efforts are part of broader conservation strategies aimed at preserving biodiversity and restoring extinct species.

Related Pages

• Amphibian
• Extinction
• Chytridiomycosis
• De-extinction