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Breeding and field programmes for endangered amphibians

Zealand, Lolland, the South Funen Archipelago and East Funen, Denmark

Copenhagen Zoo works to conserve a number of endangered Danish amphibian species through breeding and field programmes. The project includes the European fire-bellied toad, natterjack toad and European green toad, all of which are endangered in Denmark. By combining breeding, reintroduction and population monitoring, the aim is to secure viable populations in the wild. The project is an example of how targeted conservation efforts can make a tangible difference for endangered species in Denmark.

How the project started

Since 2002, Copenhagen Zoo has worked to conserve endangered Danish amphibian species. One of the first major initiatives was the restoration of the European fire-bellied toad population around Hjortø in the South Funen Archipelago.

Since then, the conservation efforts have expanded to include more species and locations across Zealand, Lolland, East Funen and the South Funen Archipelago. Over the years, Copenhagen Zoo has developed specialist expertise in breeding and reintroducing endangered amphibians.

What we are working on right now

Today, Copenhagen Zoo runs a breeding centre for endangered Danish amphibians. Every year, we breed tadpoles and young frogs and toads, which are released into the wild to strengthen wild populations. At the same time, we monitor the populations to track their development and ensure that our conservation efforts are working.

Copenhagen Zoo works with a wide range of local partners, major landowners and municipalities, as well as other organisations working with biodiversity in Denmark. When amphibians are reintroduced into ponds and natural habitats, Copenhagen Zoo’s carefully managed breeding programmes ensure that distinct regional populations are not mixed.

We follow up on and assess the impact of our conservation efforts through research and monitoring. Sometimes, however, amphibians can be difficult to find – but help is at hand! Meet Merlin. “Who is Merlin?”, you might wonder. Merlin is Copenhagen Zoo’s very own toad detection dog, owned by dog trainer Birgitte Lauritzen and trained to track down natterjack toads in the landscape. And yes, he is a very good boy. 

The future of the project

Copenhagen Zoo aims to expand its conservation efforts to include more endangered amphibian species, including the European tree frog and common spadefoot toad. This will require the development of new breeding facilities and methods that differ from those currently used for the species already included in our programmes.

The goal is to ensure that Danish amphibians continue to have viable populations in the wild in the future.

Our other projects

At Copenhagen Zoo, we are actively involved in conservation projects around the world. Which project would you like to explore next?