Ms Long told News Talk ZB radio that the change in land status from "stewardship" to sanctuary gives the area protection from being developed. Hochstetter's frogs are found only in New Zealand, and each of the 19 local populations is distinct. They are all greeny-brown in colour, no more than 44 mm (1.7 inches) long, and can live to be 30 years old.The colony near Te Puke is on the country's "nationally-critical" list, which is just one step away from extinction, according to Forest & Bird's Central North Island Conservation Manager, Al Fleming . "We now have an opportunity to restore the frogs' habitat, protect them from predators and guarantee their future. These special animals have been around for a very long time," he says.