be minimally differentiated from Hamilton's frog. In the prior edition of the New Zealand Threat Classification, L. pakeka was classified as both taxonomically indeterminate and Nationally Vulnerable. The entire species was initially confined to a 16-ha forest remnant on 309-ha Maud Island. Although its population on Maud Island is estimated to be 27,500–39,500, conservation has focused on establishing new populations on different islands, because the species is still vulnerable to fungal disease, natural disaster, climate change, or the arrival of mammalian predators. Maud Island suffered an incursion of mice in 2013, but these were eradicated and the island was declared predator-free in November 2016. In 1984–85 100 frogs were transferred by the Department of Conservation to a different part of Maud Island, successfully starting a new colony. Three hundred were translocated 25 km to Motuara Island in Queen Charlotte Sound in 1997 – the first time New Zealand frogs had been translocated between islands. This was more successful than a 2006 translocation of 100 to nearby Long Island; Motuara contained better habitat and frogs there were protected by a kiwi-proof fence. In 2006, 60 Maud Island frogs were released into the predator-proof Karori Wildlife Sanctuary near Wellington, and 100 more in 2012. Most of the frogs were released in a kiwi- and mouse-proof enclosure, but 29 were placed outside the enclosure so that a comparative study could be done. In February 2008, 13 froglets were discovered clinging to adult males inside the enclosure. Those outside the enclosure mostly disappeared. References Further reading Database entry includes a range map, a brief justification of why this species is vulnerable, and the criteria used Chris Mattison, Frogs & Toads of the World, (Blandford, London, UK 1992) External links Maud Island frog discussed on RNZ Critter of the Week, 4 November 2016 New Zealand Frog Conservation Biology - research on New Zealand frog biology Maud Island Frog at the Zealandia (wildlife sanctuary) Leiopelmatidae Amphibians of New Zealand Endemic fauna of New Zealand Amphibians described in 1998 Endemic amphibians of New Zealand