Finally ‘Romeo’ found his Juliet; World's loneliest frog finds a mate

Bolivia, Jan 15: The famous “Loneliest Frog in World”, Romeo, is Bolivian aquatic frog was believed to be the last remaining frog of his species. However, conservationists found five more of the aquatic frog species in Bolivia, and Romeo who is living in isolation for the last 10 years now had company.

Romeo believed to be last of his kind in the world, spent the last 10 years in isolation at an aquarium in Bolivia. Finally, scientists said, they have found him a mate after the expedition to a remote Bolivian cloud forest. Five Sehuencas water frogs found in the stream were captured.

The goal of this expedition is breeding and re-introducing the amphibians back into the cycle.

The chief of this expedition, Teresa Camacho Badani said, “we are optimistic about opposite attracts, even in frogs; Romeo is calm and relaxed. He is healthy and likes to eat, but he is shy and slow. But Juliet has a different personality. She is really energetic, eats a lot and sometimes she tries to escape.”

Five frogs, three males and two females were found after 10 years. Romeo has collected 10 years ago when biologist recognized that species in trouble.

Romeo attracted international attention when they started the search for a mate.

Mr. Chris Jordan of Global Wildlife Conservation said, “There is a big risk to taking animals into captivity.” He supported this conservation effort. He added, there are few of the frogs in the wild to maintain a viable population in the long term.

Teresa Badani said, “Romeo’s story is important to draw attention to the plight of amphibians. We have a real chance to save the Sehuencas water frog- restoring a unique part of the diversity of life that is the foundation of Bolivia’s forests.”