# LA aquarium breeds endangered frogs for wild repopulation Conservation program releases 1,000 mountain yellow-legged frogs since 2020 - **Source:** [ABC News: Technology](http://abcnews.com) - **Published:** 2026-09-29 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/71b91e18-1f61-4354-bf11-18f87a7e6e14 ## Critical conservation effort The Aquarium of Pacific's program has released 1,000 mountain yellow-legged frogs since 2020, including 650 in August 2023 alone. This species' wild population had plummeted to under 200 by 2021 due to habitat destruction and invasive predators. The frogs play vital ecosystem roles as both food sources and algae consumers during their tadpole stage. ## Wildfire devastation The 2020 Bobcat Fire destroyed 95% of the frogs' remaining habitat, with subsequent mudslides further damaging waterways. Scientists salvaged surviving tadpoles from the burn area for the breeding program. This catastrophe accelerated conservation efforts that began in the early 2000s under US Fish and Wildlife Service oversight. ## Nursery operations The aquarium receives tadpoles from LA and San Diego zoos, recently accepting 500 with distinct genetic lineages from different mountain ranges. Staff feed them specialized diets 4-5 times daily, simulating natural grazing behavior. Water flow variations strengthen limbs for eventual release, with a 60-65% survival rate to adulthood. ## Metamorphosis monitoring Tadpoles remain in care until developing all four limbs and losing their tails, typically about two weeks post-water emergence. Caretakers gradually introduce wild food sources like crickets and beetles. Despite concerns about adaptation, released frogs immediately demonstrate natural hunting behaviors like catching houseflies. ## Historical threats Population decline began in the 1800s when non-native trout introduced for sport fishing preyed on tadpoles. The species also suffers from chytrid fungus, responsible for global amphibian declines. Areas where trout were removed show population recovery, proving habitat management effectiveness alongside breeding programs. ## Genetic preservation The program maintains separate groups for tadpoles from San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains due to slight genetic variations. This attention to biodiversity helps ensure released populations can thrive in their native ranges. The aquarium's success has made it a model for other endangered species initiatives. ## Feeding innovations Scientists developed a nutrient-rich paste of spirulina, fish food and calcium that mimics algae-covered rocks. Tadpoles feed voraciously at this stage, with some already showing leg development during feedings. The diet supports rapid growth needed to reach release-ready juvenile stage within months. ## Ecosystem impact Each released frog contributes to restoring balance in Sierra Nevada waterways. As tadpoles, they consume algae that could otherwise choke streams. Adults become food for native predators. The program demonstrates how targeted conservation can reverse damage from both human activity and natural disasters. ## Sources covering this story - https://abcnews.com/Technology/wireStory/endangered-frog-nursery-la-cares-hundreds-tadpoles-ready-136846190 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._