Green-thighed Frog - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

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 brevipalmata

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 20 Dec 2023

Description

Green-thighed Frogs are named for the bright green or blue-green colour on the groin and back of the thighs. They are small frogs (to 40 mm in length), rich brown to chocolate brown on the back, sometimes with smaller black flecks. A broad black stripe runs from the snout to the flank, ending as a series of blotches. The call is a continuous series of ‘quack’ or ‘wok’ sounds.

Distribution

Isolated localities along the coast and ranges from just north of Wollongong to south-east Queensland.

Habitat and ecology

Green-thighed Frogs occur in a range of habitats from rainforest and moist eucalypt forest to dry eucalypt forest and heath, typically in areas where surface water gathers after rain. It prefers wetter forests in the south of its range, but extends into drier forests in northern NSW and southern Queensland.
Breeding occurs following heavy rainfall from spring to autumn, with larger temporary pools and flooded areas preferred. Frogs may aggregate around breeding sites and eggs are laid in loose clumps among waterplants, including water weeds. The larvae are free swimming.
The frogs are thought to forage in leaf-litter.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Changes to drainage patterns which reduce periodic local flooding.
Damage to semi-permanent and ephemeral ponds and flood-prone vegetation.
Clearing of habitat for development.
Clearing of habitat for agriculture
Habitat disturbance through timber harvesting.
Reduction in water quality through pasture fertilisation.
Reduction in habitat and water quality as a result of grazing
Reduction of leaf-litter and cover of fallen logs through burning for agricultural purposes.
Lack of knowledge on threats to the species including susceptibility to chytrid fungus and the impact of development activities.
Lack of knowledge on the species distribution, persistence in locations, abundance, and population trends (particularly as the species is cryptic and only calls after large rainfall). Habitat use of adults outside of breeding times and movement of the frog in the landscape is not known.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Avoid burning off in moist grassy habitats between December and April.
Maintain vegetation and leaf litter around ponds, dams, drainage lines and other moist areas.
Conserve natural patterns of local flooding.
Protect water bodies from pollution.
Fence off suitable habitat to protect it from grazing.
Exclude logging around breeding habitat.

Information sources

Cogger, H.G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6th Edition. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Lower North Coast of New South Wales. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Fauna. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Cataract	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Chaelundi	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Coffs Coast and Escarpment	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Comboyne Plateau	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Karuah Manning	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Macleay Hastings	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Washpool	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Yuraygir	Known	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Sandstones	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Woodenbong	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Hunter	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Pittwater	Predicted	None
Sydney Basin	Wyong	Known	None

Sounds

Images

Green-thighed Frog
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Nature conservation

Threatened species