Live: the international launch of the second edition of the Binational Darwin's Frogs Conservation Strategy 2026–2040
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), in collaboration with ONG Ranita de Darwin and the Binational Strategy for the Conservation of Darwin's Frogs, convened the international launch of the second edition of the Binational Darwin's Frogs Conservation Strategy. The event, held as a webinar, brought together the scientific and conservation community committed to the recovery of these unique species of the Chilean and Argentine temperate forest.
During the session, scientists, conservationists and field specialists shared the experience gained through years of work aimed at rescuing Darwin's frogs from the brink of extinction. The speakers presented the technical work that gave rise to the strategy, outlined the progress that made this second stage of the binational plan possible, and reflected on the challenges encountered along the way.
Voices from the launch
Andrés Valenzuela-Sánchez, researcher at the ZSL Institute of Zoology and president of ONG Ranita de Darwin, presented the history and development of the Binational Strategy, from its origins to this new edition, which extends the programme's vision to 2040.
Sally Wren, co-chair of the Amphibian Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), addressed the importance of planning for conservation within the global context of amphibians and the key role this group of specialists plays in confronting the extinction crisis affecting this group of vertebrates.
Claudio Azat, co-chair for Chile of the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group and director of the One Health Institute at Universidad Andrés Bello, explained the significance of the Binational Strategy within the framework of the challenges and opportunities for amphibian conservation in Latin America.
Ben Tapley, Curator of Amphibians and Reptiles at ZSL and co-chair of the Captive Breeding Working Group of the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, outlined how ex situ conservation (outside the species' natural habitat) can support recovery within an integrated approach combining in situ conservation (in the natural habitat), research and population management.
In addition, Michael Meyerhoff, Conservation and Eco-Management Officer at Leipzig Zoo, spoke about collaborative work from Germany.
A binational plan with a long-term vision
The second edition of the Binational Strategy 2026–2040 represents a milestone for the conservation of Darwin's frog (Rhinoderma darwinii) and the Chile Darwin's frog (Rhinoderma rufum), two species endemic to the temperate forests of southern Chile and Argentina facing threats such as habitat loss and chytridiomycosis, the fungal pandemic that is devastating amphibians worldwide.
The joint work of ZSL, ONG Ranita de Darwin and partners in both countries demonstrates that effective conservation knows no borders: it demands international cooperation, field research, community education and committed public policy.
Conservation is born within communities, but it is sustained by the commitment of the State and institutions around the world. Together, we can ensure that Darwin's frogs continue to live in the forests of the south for decades to come.
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