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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Litoria castanea
Gazetted date:
04 Dec 2009
Profile last updated:
20 Dec 2023
Description
The bell frogs are large, long-lived and mostly aquatic tree frogs, with only small finger and toe pads. The Yellow-spotted Bell Frog is distinguished from other members of the group by its fully webbed toes and yellow spots on the groin and the back of the thighs. Elsewhere it is marbled green and gold, with black spots. This patterning varies greatly, but the pale green mid-back stripe is unvarying. The larger females may be up 9cm long. The call is a series of loud, droning grunts, like a distant motorbike. The tadpoles are large, growing to about 8cm long with a pinkish-grey body and yellowish fins.
Distribution
Historically, this species occurred in two separate highland ranges: on the New England Tableland, and on the southern and central tablelands from Bathurst to Bombala. Following the chytrid virus pandemic in the 1970s, this species went unrecorded for 30 years and was believed to be extinct, until it was rediscovered in 2009 on the Southern Tablelands. This population - near Yass - remains the only known extant site of the species.
Habitat and ecology
- Require large permanent ponds or slow flowing 'chain-of-ponds' streams with abundant emergent vegetation such as bulrushes and aquatic vegetation.
- Adults are active during spring and summer and bask on sunny days.
- Move and forage at night on grassy banks or float on the water's surface.
- Males call at night from the open water and breeding generally occurs during or following rain.
- Eggs are laid amongst aquatic vegetation.
- Shelter during autumn and winter under fallen timber, rocks, other debris or thick vegetation.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss or modification of wetlands, swamps and slow-flowing creeks and the adjacent vegetation.
- Changes to natural water flows and water quality.
- Removal of fallen timber, rocks or other debris used as shelter.
- Application of herbicides or pesticides in or adjacent to habitat.
- Disease - chytrid fungus.
- Predation of eggs and tadpoles by introduced fish, including Carp, Redfin and Gambusia
- Predation of frogs by foxes and cats.
- Restricted in-situ distribution / population size.
- Lack of knowledge of additional populations, extent of suitable habitat or distribution of the species in the surrounding area.
- Tussock and gorse encroaching on suitable habitat, limits availability of open space habitat used by the frogs.
- Domestic stock; direct disturbance from cattle and sheep.
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
- Control exotic fish in wetlands and creeks in the vicinity of populations.
- Control foxes and cats.
- Maintain natural water flows.
- Protect wetlands and creeks from erosion and sedimentation.
- Minimise the use of herbicides and pesticides in and adjacent to habitat.
- Retain fallen timber, rocks and other debris near wetlands and creeks.
- Protect wetlands and creeks from clearing or disturbance.
- Engage with landholders and land managers in order to implement sympathetic management and monitoring.
- Undertake captive breeding, both as insurance against threats to the wild population, and for future translocations and augmentation.
Information sources
- Barker J., Grigg G. and Tyler M.J. (1995) A Field Guide to Australian frogs. (Surrey Beatty and Sons, Sydney)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001) Yellow-spotted Bell Frog (Litoria castanea) and Peppered Tree Frog (Litoria piperata) Recovery Plan. NPWS, Sydney.
- Robinson, M. (1993) A Field Guide to the Frogs of Australia. Reed Books, Sydney.
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