Nature conservation

Threatened species

Giant Barred Frog - profile

Indicative distribution

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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: Mixophyes iteratus
Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerableexternal link
Commonwealth status: Vulnerableexternal link
Gazetted date: 05 Apr 2024
Profile last updated: 09 Apr 2024

Description

Giant Barred Frogs are very large (up to 115mm long) and powerfully built. They are blotched light and dark brown above and are well-camoflaged in leaf litter. Limbs have dark crossbars and the hind sides of the thighs are black with yellow spots. The pupil is vertical and the iris is golden. The call is a deep gutteral ‘ork’. The Giant Barred Frog can be most easily distinguished from other barred frog species by the call and the distinctive eye colour.

Distribution

The Giant Barred Frog is distributed along the coast and ranges from Eumundi in south-east Queensland to Warrimoo in the Blue Mountains. Declines appear to have occurred at the margins of the species' range, with no recent records south of the Hawkesbury River and disappearances from a number of streams in QLD. Northern NSW, particularly the Coffs Harbour-Dorrigo area, is a stronghold.

Habitat and ecology

  • Giant Barred Frogs are found along freshwater streams with permanent or semi-permanent water, generally (but not always) at lower elevation.
  • Moist riparian habitats such as rainforest or wet sclerophyll forest are favoured for the deep leaf litter that they provide for shelter and foraging, as well as open perching sites on the forest floor. However, Giant Barred Frogs will also sometimes occur in other riparian habitats, such as those in drier forest or degraded riparian remnants, and even occasionally around dams.
  • Breeding takes place from late spring to summer. Once eggs are laid and fertilised in the water, the female kicks them out of the water where they stick onto a suitable bank (e.g. overhanging or steeply sloped). Hatchlings drop or wriggle into the water. Tadpoles grow to about 11cm and it may take up to 14 months between egg laying and the completion of metamorphosis.
  • Although generally found within about 20m of the stream, outside the breeding season, the Giant Barred Frog may disperse away from the stream (e.g. 50m or further). It is a generalist feeder, with large insects, snails, spiders and frogs included in its diet.

Regional distribution and habitat

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Threats

Recovery strategies

Activities to assist this species

Information sources