University of Otago Frog Group

The Research Group is led by senior lecturer in Zoology, Dr Phil Bishop.  There are three main strands to the group's research -

• Leiopelma reproductive biology and conservation

The native frogs in NZ are phylogenetically distinct and endemic to NZ.  They are all threatened with extinction and our group is looking at ways to assist captive breeding and to protect them in the wild.  For more information on specific projects see the pages of Jen Germano, Sabine Melzer, Stephanie Shaw and Amy Frost.

• Frog communication

Leiopelma can be considered as 'earless' frogs as they lack the external and middle ear elements.  As most frogs communicate by producing calls, the communication systems of 'earless' frogs are fascinating areas of study.  For more information on frog communication see the pages of Phil Bishop, Kim Delaney and Helen White.

• Chytridiomycosis

Chytridiomycosis has been blamed for many frog declines and extinctions worldwide and at Otago we have developed a cure that is effective in the laboratory.  Further research into how chytrids are spread and the effects of climate change on the disease are being conducted by Phil Bishop, Rick Speare, Sarah Herbert and Russell Poulter.