Endangered Littlejohn's tree frog finally bred in captivity amid habitat threat

Scientists at the University of Newcastle have achieved a breakthrough in their quest to save an endangered tree frog species which only exists in three small, isolated regions in New South Wales.

For the first time ever the Littlejohn's tree frog was bred in captivity in the university's labs, marking a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to boost its population numbers.

The little brown amphibian, characterised by a striking orange-pattern on its inner legs, is confined to the Watagan Ranges, west of Newcastle, the Blue Mountains, and Woronora Plateau near Wollongong.

Conservation biologist Kaya Klop-Toker said after three years of trying to replicate its natural habitat they finally "cracked the code."

"[The outdoor environment] gave them that trigger, and the really cold tempe