There’s no place like home:

Second cohort of Southern Corroboree frogs return to Kosciuszko

The population of one of Australia’s most iconic but endangered frogs is set to receive a boost, with 100 Southern Corroboree frogs released in Kosciuszko National Park.

NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s Senior Threatened Species Officer, Dr Dave hunter, said this is the second time a cohort of captive-bred Southern Corroboree frogs have been returned to Kosciuszko National Park since the bushfires.

“Southern Corroboree frogs are one of Australia’s most spectacular frogs, but sadly, there are only around 150 left in Kosciuszko National Park,” Dr hunter said.

“We’re releasing these zoo-bred frogs into purpose-built enclosures to boost their numbers as part of a long-term recovery program for this critically endangered species.

“These enclosures were heavily impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires, but thanks to a $120,000 donation from Prague Zoo, as well as funding from the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program and the Commonwealth Government, we’ve been able to rebuild these lifesaving froggy refuges,” Dr hunter said.

The enclosures were first constructed in 2013 as part of a long-term collaborative project between the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, and Zoos Victoria.

Enclosures have been built in five different locations in Kosciusko National Park, specifically designed to protect the critically endangered frogs from the deadly chytrid fungus.

The Southern Corroboree Frog is listed as critically endangered due to a fatal disease caused by the fungus, as well as pest animal impacts and climate change.

“The bottom line is that without these enclosures, and the reintroduction of zoobred individuals, this unique species would be extinct in the wild,” Dr hunter said.

“The disease-free enclosed areas provide suitable breeding habitat so that the frogs can complete all stages of their life cycle within the enclosures.

Tumut’s best weekend of the year is on again in 2023 and it will see the return of a favourite feature. Saturday April 29 will see the Falling Leaf Festival move back to Wynyard Street, the centre of town.

Falling Leaf Festival is one of the major highlights of Snowy Valleys event calendar. This year, with the return of the Street Parade, alongside the Comedy Gala on Friday April 28, the outstanding markets including local produce, arts and crafts, creative and cultural workshops and the always popular live music stage, this one is not to be missed. The main festival hub on the Saturday will be in the heart of town in Wynyard Street.

We are really pleased to be able to bring the Falling Leaf Festival back to the main street of Tumut. Community and visitor feedback has shown that the Street Parade has been missed - and we hope it will be better than ever before in 2023,” Falling Leaf Festival President, Michael Cichocki said.

“This is a great opportunity for the people of Tumut and surrounding areas to get really involved in the Falling Leaf Festival. The Festival prides itself in showing off the best of what the region has to offer at the most perfect time of year to visit - when Tumut is at its most beautiful.” he said.

After the success of 2022, the Friday night Comedy Gala will take place again in 2023, at the Montreal Community Theatre with Dane Simpson headlining.

Creative and cultural workshops are happening all around townon the Saturday morning including Bolllywood Dancing with the Riverina’s own Coota Bollywood All Stars at the Tumut River Brewing Co., Aboriginal Tools and Techniques cultural workshop with Walgalu Wiradjuri man Shane Herrington in Bila Park, and Fly Tying with Tom’s Outdoors. The markets are on all day and the whole family will be kept busy with roving entertainment, food trucks and plenty of kids activities.

Local businesses are jumping on board with many extending their Saturday shopping hours to make the most of the influx of visitors.

Saturday night will see Tumut’s own See Me Hear Me Theatre company perform The Planet Man in the beautiful Montreal Community Theatre - Tumut’s art deco landmark.

Full details on all the events for Falling Leaf Festival, as well astickets for live shows and workshops can be found at fallingleaffestival.com.au