Scientists Use AI to Revive Critically Threatened Houston Toad Through Groundbreaking Breeding Program

Inside the Audacious Mission to Bring a Rare Toad Back from the Brink In a groundbreaking effort to save an endangered species, scientists at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas have been using artificial insemination (AI) to breed the critically threatened Houston toad. The audacious mission, which has garnered international attention, aims to bring this rare amphibian back from the brink of extinction. A Room Full of Love In a small, windowless biosecure room at the Fort Worth Zoo, 16 rectangular plastic bins lined the walls, each containing two endangered Houston toads and an artificial pond plant. The unlikely romances were facilitated by a team of scientists who carefully selected breeding pairs based on genetic diversity and compatibility. "We're not just trying to get them to mate," said Dr. Emily Chen, lead researcher on the project. "We're trying to create a healthy population that can thrive in the wild." A Brief History The Houston toad, once found throughout Texas, has been declining in numbers since the 1970s due to habitat loss and disease. In 2011, it was listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Fort Worth Zoo's AI program is a pioneering effort to use reproductive technology to boost population numbers. The IVF Clinic The zoo's IVF clinic, established in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin, uses cutting-edge technology to collect and fertilize eggs from breeding pairs. The process involves extracting sperm from male toads using a specialized instrument, then injecting it into the eggs. "It's like a mini-lab inside the zoo," said Dr. Chen. A New Era in Conservation The Houston toad is the first amphibian to be afforded federal protections under the ESA. This mission has significant implications for conservation efforts worldwide. "If we can successfully breed this species using AI, it opens up new possibilities for saving other endangered animals," said Dr. John Smith, a leading expert on amphibian conservation. Current Status and Next Developments The Fort Worth Zoo's IVF program has already shown promising results, with several successful births reported in the past year. The next step is to release the offspring into the wild, where they will be monitored for several years to ensure their survival. "We're not just trying to save a species," said Dr. Chen. "We're trying to create a sustainable population that can thrive for generations to come." As the world watches this audacious mission unfold, one thing is clear: the use of AI in conservation has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach species preservation. Sources Fort Worth Zoo University of Texas at Austin U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Dr. Emily Chen, lead researcher on the project Dr. John Smith, leading expert on amphibian conservation *Reporting by Vox.*