Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Litoria aurea
Profile last updated:
14 Oct 2022
Description
A relatively large, stout frog, ranging in size from approximately 45 mm to approximately 100 mm snout to vent length. Diagnostic features are a gold or creamish white stripe running along the side, extending from the upper eyelids almost to the groin, with a narrow dark brown stripe beneath it, from nostril to eye. It also has blue or bluish-green colour on the inside of the thighs.The colour of the body varies. Usually a vivid pea-green, splotched with an almost metallic brassy brown or gold. The backs of some individuals may be almost entirely green; in others golden-brown markings may dominate.
Distribution
Formerly distributed from the NSW north coast near Brunswick Heads, southwards along the NSW coast to Victoria where it extends into east Gippsland. Records from west to Bathurst, Tumut and the ACT region. Since 1990 there have been approximately 50 recorded locations in NSW, most of which are small, coastal, or near coastal populations. These locations occur over the species’ former range, however they are widely separated and isolated. Large populations in NSW are located around the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Shoalhaven and mid north coast (one an island population). There is only one known population on the NSW Southern Tablelands.
Habitat and ecology
- Inhabits marshes, dams and stream-sides, particularly those containing bullrushes (Typha spp.) or spikerushes (Eleocharis spp.).
- Optimum habitat includes water-bodies that are unshaded, free of predatory fish such as Plague Minnow (Gambusia holbrooki), have a grassy area nearby and diurnal sheltering sites available.
- Some sites, particularly in the Greater Sydney region occur in highly disturbed areas.
- The species is active by day and usually breeds in summer when conditions are warm and wet.
- Males call while floating in water and females produce a raft of eggs that initially float before settling to the bottom, often amongst vegetation.
- Tadpoles feed on algae and other plant-matter; adults eat mainly insects, but also other frogs.
- Preyed upon by various wading birds and snakes.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Alteration of drainage patterns and stormwater runoff.
- Frog Chytrid Fungus, a fungal pathogen.
- Predation by feral animals such as foxes.
- Herbicides and other chemical weed-control measures.
- Road mortality, where populations are already small due to other threats.
- Predation by exotic fish such as Plague Minnow.
- Loss of suitable breeding habitat through alteration by infilling and destruction of wetlands.
- Current knowledge of the status of the population and threats to the population is poor.
- Species occurs on private land where land management practices may not be suitable for the species, e.g. grazing and loss of breeding habitat.
- Changes in salinity due to sea level rise. Frogs are unable to breed in waters with salt concentrations of greater than 6 parts per 1,000.
- Overgrowth of pond vegetation leading to declining water temperature.
- Small population size.
- Lack of information regarding habitat permanency.
- Drying of breeding and refuge habitat as a result of increased temperatures and more frequent droughts, potentially leading to wetlands becoming hypersaline.
- Lack of landscape connectivity leading to isolation of small populations.
- Heavy metal pollution.
- Four-wheel drives impacting habitat.
- The introduced frog species, Green Tree Frog, on Broughton Island potentially competing with the species and representing a reservoir for chytrid fungus
- Invasion of habitat by Salvinia (Salvinia molesta).
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here
for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Maintain captive bred populations for future possible re-introduction programs.
- Initiate community awareness programs that highlight the presence of populations and catchment management approaches to improving stromwater quality, habitat retention and management.
- Develop measures to control or eradicate the introduced Plague Minnow.
- Establish protocols for handling of frogs and educational strategies to minimise the inadvertent spread of fungal pathogens from site to site.
- Develop strategies to provide for the development or enhancement of frog habitat to improve reproductive success and recruitment at known sites.
- Develop site specific plans of management to improve conservation outcomes for targeted populations.
- Develop strategies to provide disease-free and fish-free breeding habitat.
Information sources
- Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (2005) Draft Recovery Plan for the Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea). Department of Environment and Conservation, Sydney.