The Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP) has identified the complimentary conservation approach of using assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as sperm cryopreservation, as a priority area of research. Progress in translating ART research into application has been a challenge. This grant will provide the opportunity to bridge this gap in an endangered tree frog and a co-occurring threatened ground frog, representing two of the three native Australian frog families. To incorporate cryopreservation of sperm into the Litoria littlejohni and Heleioporus australiacus breeding programs I will: 1) validate the use of a previously developed cryopreservation protocol in a related Litoria species in L. littlejohni, whilst making preliminary attempts to achieve the same for H. australiacus and 2) collect and cryopreserve sperm from at least five founder males of the University of Newcastle’s L. littlejohni breeding program, as well from 15-20 males captured at the Blue Mountains and Central Coast populations.

Wildlife film by Mhairi Fenton documenting the integrated approach to conservation of the Littlejohn's tree frog at the University of Newcastle. To see her other works visit: https://mhairifenton.wixsite.com/home