Davies' Tree 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 daviesae

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Gazetted date: 13 Dec 2002

Profile last updated: 25 Feb 2024

Description

Davies' Tree Frog grows to 63mm long. It has a broad olive-green stripe from the snout to the top of the arm and a narrow dark-brown stripe from the snout through the eye, broadening and breaking into patches along the sides. There is also a green stripe on the outer thigh. This species was previously recognised as the Glandular Frog Litoria subglandulosa from which it is distinguished by its lightly shagreened skin, uniform golden brown to mottled brown and green colouration and greater body length (up to 63 mm, compared to 50 mm for L. subglandulosa)

Distribution

Davies' Tree Frog occurs as a series of small populations along the eastern escarpment of the Great Divide and adjacent tablelands above 400 m elevation. Its habitat is highly fragmented and restricted to the region from Carrai Plateau to the Barrington Tops area.

Habitat and ecology

Davies' Tree Frog occurs in permanent, slow-flowing small streams above 400 m elevation, mostly in the headwaters of eastern-flowing streams (although it does occur in the headwaters of the western-flowing Peel River).
On the tablelands, riparian habitat may be montane heath or dry open forest with fringing tea tree, tussocks and ferns. Escarpment habitat is typically rainforest and wet sclerophyll with a rainforest understorey.
Breeding occurs in spring and early summer. Daytime calling is common during the breeding season. At night, males can be found calling from perched positions on trees and shrubs 0.5 - 1.5 m above streams.
The species has rarely been observed away from the riparian zone, implying a reliance on that zone for breeding and foraging. However, nothing is known of habitat use outside the breeding season.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Risk of local extinction due to small population size and geographic range and isolation.
Clearing and fragmentation of habitat for agriculture or urban development
Habitat disturbance from forestry activities.
Alteration to stream flows resulting from agriculture or development.
Reduction in water quality through grazing, pasture improvement and weed spraying.
Reduction of leaf-litter and cover of fallen logs through grazing and associated burning.
Possible predation of tadpoles by exotic fish, including Carp, trout and Mosquito Fish.
Adults are susceptible to infection by amphibian chytrid fungus.
Predation by feral cats and foxes.
Poor knowledge of the species' area of occupancy and population sizes.

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

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 pattern of stream flow.
Protect streams from pollution.
Fence off suitable habitat to protect it from grazing.
Protect areas of habitat from clearing or development.
Exclude forestry activities from habitat.
Report sick or dead frogs to DEC.
Adopt the DEC frog hygiene protocol to prevent the spread of chytrid fungus in amphibian habitat.

Information sources

Mahony, M., Knowles, R., Foster, R. and Donnellan, S. (2001) Systematics of the Litoria citropa (Anura: Hylidae) complex in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, Australia, with description of a new species. Records of the Australian Museum 5
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Litoria daviesae (a tree frog) - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Nandewar	Peel	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Walcha Plateau	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Barrington	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Carrai Plateau	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Comboyne Plateau	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Macleay Hastings	Known	South of Hastings River
NSW North Coast	Mummel Escarpment	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Tomalla	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Upper Manning	Known	None

Images

Close-up, Davies Tree Frog Image 1 of 2.
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