Mahony's Toadlet - 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: Uperoleia mahonyi

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Gazetted date: 10 Mar 2017

Profile last updated: 10 Jul 2023

Description

Mahony's Toadlet is a small (males 30 mm, female 32 mm) but robustly built frog. This species is most easily distinguished from other Uperoleia species by a black and white belly pattern that appears marbled or blotched (rather than numerous small dots or specs) and the lack of colour patch below the knee. Groin and thigh colour patches are orange. Tadpoles are indistinguishable from those of other Uperoleia species. The advertisement call is a single audible sound described as a "squelch".

Distribution

Mahony's Toadlet is endemic to the mid-north coast of New South Wales (NSW) and to date has been found between Kangy Angy and Seal Rocks.

Habitat and ecology

Current observations indicate Mahony’s Toadlet inhabits ephemeral and semi-permanent swamps and swales on the coastal fringe of its range. Known records occur in heath or wallum habitats almost exclusively associated with leached (highly nutrient impoverished) white sand. Commonly associated with acid paperbark swamps, Mahony’s Toadlet also is known to occur in wallum heath, swamp mahogany-paperbark swamp forest, heath shrubland and Sydney red gum woodland. Recent studies suggest intact vegetation adjacent to and within water bodies is an important habitat feature for this species.
Known records are associated with shallow ephemeral/semi-permanent water bodies with limited flow of water. Aquatic vegetation at breeding sites includes sedges (Shoenoplectus spp., Baumea spp. and Lepironia articulata) and Broadleaf Cumbungi (Typha orientalis).
Females have been recorded up to 400m from water-bodies indicating moderate dispersal distances and use of multiple habitat types.
Tadpoles have been observed using leaf litter in the shallow verges of water bodies on sandy substrate. Rocks, logs and leaf litter may also be used for shelter and provide important foraging areas for invertebrate prey items.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Destruction and degradation of coastal wetlands as a result of roadworks, coastal developments and sandmining.
Reduction of water quality and modification to acidity in coastal wetlands.
Changes to hydrology of coastal wetlands as a result of a changing climate and/ or sea level rise.
Lack of distributional knowledge due to potential misidentification (particularly calls) during past surveys.
The impact of chytrid fungus on this species is currently unknown.
Limited information exists on ecological information such as fecundity, survival rates, specific habitat attributes, and response to disturbance.
Nutrient enrichment and chemical run off from urban and agricultural areas and as a result of mosquito control.
Predation of tadpoles and eggs by the Plague Minnow Gambusia holbrooki.
Habitat disturbance by feral pigs.

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

Retain wetland protection buffers in new coastal developments.
Fence off water bodies to prevent stock from grazing in these areas.
Protect coastal wetland areas.
Determine response of species to Chytrid Fungus which is currently unknown.
Refine the distribution of the species through targeted surveys.
Control incursion of weeds into coastal wetland habitat
Rehabilitate or recreate former and existing habitat degraded or destroyed by grazing, sandmining and other activities
Manage and control pest species, including Plague Minnow in accordance with approved Threat Abatement Plans.
Apply fire regime appropriate for vegetation type (frequency varying between 6-35 year intervals) and ensure standing water is present if undertaking prescribed burns.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Images

Female specimen. Wyrrabalong National Park, NSW. Image 1 of 3.
View slideshow.

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