Endangered Yuchih harp frog released into the wild to expand habitat and resilience

(CNA reporter Wu Che-hao, Nantou, June 2) The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) and other units released the endangered Yuchih harp frog in Yuchih Township today. The Nantou Branch stated that they previously bred tadpoles in captivity to increase their numbers, and once they grew up, they were taken to new habitats for release. The FANCA Nantou Branch issued a press release explaining that the Nantou Branch, the Biodiversity Research Institute, and the Taipei Zoo launched the release operation in Yuchih Township this morning. The Nantou Branch explained that there are only two populations of Yuchih harp frogs in Taiwan, both distributed in Yuchih Township, Nantou, with a total distribution area of only 0.0147 square kilometers. It is a precious and rare protected animal under the Wildlife Conservation Act. Due to their unique nesting habits and high preference for muddy environments, their range is limited. The Nantou Branch pointed out that to protect the frogs, researchers surveyed and evaluated 70 potential sites in Yuchih Township based on valley terrain, stream sources, and groundwater conditions to find suitable habitats. The source of this release came from tadpoles rescued by the conservation team from the wild in Yuchih Township a few years ago. These tadpoles were sent to the Taipei Zoo, successfully bred in captivity, and released after growing up. The Nantou Branch noted that the Biodiversity Research Institute will continue to monitor the population for several years to confirm their adaptation in the wild, hoping to gradually increase the population and survival resilience through cross-agency cooperation and scientific management.