Scientists Uncover Remarkable 520-Million-Year-Old Fossil with Intact Brain and Guts

More than 30 endangered Darwin's frogs have been successfully born at London Zoo following an extensive rescue mission from their fungus-ridden habitat in southern Chile. The amphibians were transported over 7,000 miles after the introduction of the deadly chytrid fungus led to a 90% decline in their population within a year, according to surveys conducted in 2023.
Ben Tapley, the zoo's curator of amphibians, called the birth of the 33 froglets "a landmark moment" in conservation efforts for this unique species. He emphasized the importance of the zoo in providing safe habitats while work is underway to combat the chytrid fungus in their native forests.
The rescue involved securing 53 adult frogs, with male Darwin's frogs measuring less than 3 cm, and required collaboration with partners in Chile. Andres Valenzuela-Sanchez, a research fellow at ZSL’s Institute of Zoology, stated that the frogs will help researchers understand how to combat the chytrid fungus more effectively, potentially aiding other amphibian species globally.
A film documenting the rescue efforts, titled "A Leap of Hope," is set to premiere soon.