Watson's 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 watsoni

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Gazetted date: 28 Oct 2022

Profile last updated: 14 Oct 2024

Description

Litoria watsoni isdescribed by Mahony et al. (2020) as adult males SVL (snout-to-vent length) 42–59 mm and females SVL 50–64 mm. The legs are relatively long (TBL -tibia length/SVL 0.44–0.59). Dorsal surfaces of body and limbs are light brown mottled with dark and lighter flecking of brown and yellow. The side of the face and extending back beneath the tympanum to the axil is a lighter shade of the dorsal colour. The colour on back of upper and lower leg and onto the foot, groin and posterior flanks, and on the upper axil of the forelimb is an immaculate reddish-orange wash. A darker brown to black line extends from the external nostril along the canthus rostralis to the eye, continuing less intensely behind the eye over the tympanum and then onto the flank where it gradually dissipates. The ventral surface is white, with the exception of the upper legs, which have an orange wash. The gular region has a yellowish wash(in males). The iris is yellowish gold.

Excerpt from:

Daly, G. 2023.Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Plan for populations of Watson’s Tree Frog Litoria watsoni in New South Wales. Report prepared for the South-east Ecosystems and Threatened Species Team, Biodiversity and Conservation Department of Planning and Environment.

Distribution

Within NSW the distribution of L. watsoni is fragmented. There are few specimens recorded between Nadgee NP, in the far south-east of the state, and Monga NP and no specimens between Monga and the one population know from a fire dam in Yadboro State Forest. The Morton plateau population covers the largest area inhabited by the species but is separated from the Budderoo population to the north. These major disjunctions in populations are caused by the species being restricted to upland (above 100m ADH) sites, primarily in heath-woodland with sandy substrates.

Habitat and ecology

This species breeds in the upper reaches of permanent streams and in perched swamps.
Non-breeding habitat is heath based forests and woodlands where it shelters under leaf litter and low vegetation, and hunts for invertebrate prey either in shrubs or on the ground.
Breeding is triggered by heavy rain and can potentially occur all year, but is usually from late summer to early spring when conditions are favourable.
Males call from low vegetation close to slow flowing pools.
Eggs are laid in loose gelatinous masses attached to small submerged twigs.
Eggs and tadpoles are mostly found in still or slow flowing pools that receive extended exposure to sunlight, but will also use temporary isolated pools.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Inappropriate fire regimes and intense wildfire resulting in destruction of habitat.
Changes to natural water flows and water quality.
Predation of eggs and tadpoles by introduced fish.
Lack of landscape connectivity leading to isolation of small populations.
Loss of streamside vegetation through clearing or frequent burning.
Infection by amphibian chytrid fungus.
Recreational use causing disturbance to forest and woodland breeding and non-breeding habitat.
Poor knowledge of the current distribution and abundance of the species, particularly in the blue mountains, south coast and hinterland areas.
Forest disturbance associated with forestry operations.
Lack of knowledge on the species’ genetic diversity and taxonomy across its range.
Low population size as a consequence of habitat and population decline.
Climate change.

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified 0 priority actions to help recover the Watson's Tree Frog in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Prevent the introduction, and reduce populations of non-native fish in streams where the species occurs.
Retain riparian native vegetation.
Maintain hydrological regimes and protect water flows and water quality, particularly around the upper reaches of streams and perched swamps.
Survey Budderoo, Jerrawangala, Morton and Nadgee to verify current distribution. Exploratory surveys in areas burnt are required to establish whether any have survived.
Collect tissue samples from southern populations for genetic analyses to clarify taxonomy

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Nature conservation

Threatened species