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: Philoria richmondensis
Gazetted date:
29 Apr 2005
Profile last updated:
12 Jan 2023
Description
Philoria richmondensis was recently identified following a taxonomic review of the Philoria species of north east NSW. It has a robust, pear-shaped body to 28 mm long, varying in colour from yellow, red or maroon above or, occasionally, light tan or bronze. A facial stripe extends from the snout through the eye to the base of the forelimb. Most specimens have black patches on the lower back, which occasionally join at the midline to form an arrow-shape pointing to the head.
Distribution
A restricted distribution at mid to high elevations from the Richmond Range, Toonumbar and Yabbra areas north-west of Casino.
Habitat and ecology
- Requires continually high moisture levels and is most common in subtropical and temperate rainforests.
- Found in shallow burrows in mud, moss or leaf-litter in the headwaters and along edges of constantly flowing streams or around permanent soaks in highland forest.
- Also occurs in wet eucalypt forests, where rock outcrops or cliff bases hold surface moisture.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Degradation of habitat due to changes in hydrological regimes and water quality from logging, roadworks and domestic stock.
- Risk of local extinction due to small, scattered populations.
- Infection by amphibian chytrid fungus.
- Anthropogenic climate change altering microclimate.
- Isolation of populations as a result of clearing and fragmentation of wet forest remnants, usually as a result of agricultural and forestry practices.
- Degredation of habitat from forestry activities including timber harvesting, road construction and burning.
- Risk of population loss from stochastic events as a consequence of the restricted distribution
- Degradation of breeding habitat due to disturbance by feral pigs
- Encroachment of invasive mistflower into creek lines and breeding habitat.
- Poor understanding of the species' nesting behaviour, breeding habitat requirements, recruitment and dispersal.
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
- Exclude logging around breeding habitat and ensure adequate canopy cover is maintained to prevent moisture loss to breeding sites.
- Protect known and potential habitat from forest management practices that reduce dry season stream flows and ground moisture levels.
- Protect areas of known habitat from roading, logging and other disturbance.
- Reconnect isolated rainforest patches with corridors of wet forest, particularly along drainage lines in stream headwaters.
- Adopt the OEH frog hygiene protocol to prevent the spread of chytrid fungus in amphibian habitat.
- Undertake weed control in a way that maintains the desired microclimate and water quality.
Information sources
- NSW Scientific Committee (2005) Philoria richmondensis (a frog) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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