Jacob Evans in BBC:
Six froglets of one of the world’s most threatened frog species have been born at London Zoo.
The arrival of the new Mountain chicken frogs has been heralded by conservationists, who estimate that just 20 frogs remain in the wild. Originally from the Caribbean, jumbo frogs are a local delicacy supposedly tasting like chicken and can reach up to 1kg (2lbs) – hence the name. An invasive fungus and continued habitat loss has ravaged the species. Zookeepers had suspicions offspring were on their way after the resident male Mountain chicken started digging a ‘bowl’ in the newly-built enclosure – in an attempt to entice his female counterpart.
His efforts paid dividends and shortly after a foam nest was created, where the tadpoles developed. During this period, the female frog feeds the tadpoles by producing infertile eggs until the tadpoles metamorphose. Mother mountain chicken frogs may feed their tadpoles 10-13 times during their development, meaning she may produce an estimated 10,000-25,000 eggs. Soon after the zoo welcomed six froglets to their colony.
Two females had been living together before a male was introduced in November and the births were the first Mountain chickens to be born at the zoo for five years.
More here.