About
The Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project (PARC) was established to address the catastrophic decline of Panamanian amphibians caused by chytridiomycosis, a deadly fungal disease caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Founded as a partnership between the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Zoo New England, PARC focuses on rescuing and maintaining captive insurance populations of the most at-risk amphibian species in Panama. The project oversees multiple endangered species including the iconic Panamanian Golden Frog (Atelopus zeteki), several Harlequin Frog species, dart frogs, treefrogs, and more. After years of successfully breeding these animals under human care, PARC has entered a new phase: the science of rewilding. In early 2026, the team released 100 golden frogs into soft-release mesocosms in their former natural habitat, monitoring disease dynamics and survival outcomes to refine future reintroduction strategies. PARC's work encompasses captive husbandry, disease research, field ecology, and science communication. It publishes scientific findings, hosts volunteers, and collaborates with Panama's government agencies such as SENACYT and SiNAP. The project is an indispensable resource for conservation biologists, students, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking to understand amphibian extinction crises and the cutting-edge science being used to combat them.
Key Features
- Captive Breeding Program: Maintains insurance populations of critically endangered Panamanian amphibians, including multiple Harlequin Frog and dart frog species, under expert care to prevent extinction.
- Rewilding Research: Conducts cutting-edge field trials releasing captive-bred frogs into their native habitats using soft-release mesocosms to study survival, disease dynamics, and reintroduction success.
- Chytrid Disease Science: Studies the behavior and spread of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in wild and captive contexts, generating critical data for managing and mitigating amphibian disease outbreaks.
- Scientific Publications & Reports: Publishes peer-reviewed research and programmatic reports, making findings freely accessible to the global conservation community.
- Volunteer & Outreach Program: Engages citizen scientists and volunteers in hands-on conservation work, expanding capacity for research and raising public awareness of amphibian extinction crises.
Use Cases
- Conservation biologists and herpetologists researching amphibian disease dynamics and rewilding methodologies for critically endangered species.
- Students and educators seeking freely accessible scientific publications and case studies on ex-situ conservation and species recovery programs.
- Zoo and wildlife professionals looking to understand best practices in captive breeding and soft-release reintroduction programs for amphibians.
- Environmental policymakers and government agencies such as Panama's SiNAP collaborating on protected area management and biodiversity recovery strategies.
- Citizen scientists and wildlife volunteers interested in participating in hands-on amphibian conservation fieldwork in Panama.
Pros
- Pioneering Conservation Science: PARC bridges captive breeding and field ecology with rigorous scientific methodology, producing replicable insights applicable to amphibian conservation worldwide.
- Multi-Institutional Collaboration: Backed by the Smithsonian Institution, multiple accredited zoos, and Panamanian government agencies, ensuring robust resources, expertise, and long-term commitment.
- Freely Accessible Information: All scientific publications, species profiles, and programmatic reports are freely available on the website, supporting open science and education.
Cons
- High Mortality in Rewilding Trials: Early release trials show approximately 70% mortality from chytridiomycosis, reflecting the ongoing challenge of successfully reintroducing captive-bred amphibians into disease-prevalent habitats.
- Narrow Geographic Focus: The project is specifically focused on Panamanian amphibian species, limiting direct applicability to conservation efforts in other regions without adaptation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project (PARC)?
PARC is a collaborative conservation initiative led by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and partner zoos dedicated to rescuing, breeding, and rewilding critically endangered amphibians in Panama threatened by the chytrid fungal disease chytridiomycosis.
When was the Panamanian Golden Frog last seen in the wild?
The Panamanian Golden Frog (Atelopus zeteki) has not been observed in the wild since 2009, when the chytrid fungus wiped out the last known wild populations in El Valle de Antón.
What is chytridiomycosis and why is it dangerous to frogs?
Chytridiomycosis is a disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which infects a frog's skin and disrupts its electrolyte balance, ultimately leading to death. It is considered one of the most destructive infectious diseases ever recorded among vertebrates.
Has PARC started releasing frogs back into the wild?
Yes. In early 2026, PARC released 100 Panamanian Golden Frogs into soft-release enclosures (mesocosms) in their former natural habitat as part of a scientific rewilding study to understand disease dynamics and survival post-release.
How can I support or get involved with PARC?
You can support PARC through donations via their website, volunteer with the project, or follow their scientific publications and news updates. The project also collaborates with government agencies and international conservation organizations.
