Peppered 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 piperata

Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Gazetted date: 04 Dec 2009

Profile last updated: 01 Nov 2022

Description

The Peppered Tree Frog is a small frog up to about 30 mm in snout-to-vent length. It is olive green to grey coloured above with distinctive darker grey-brown peppering and brighter green on the face, while the underside is light cream. It has enlarged pads on the toetips and fingertips in common with most other tree frog species.

Distribution

The species has not been definitively recorded in the wild since the 1990s. It was previously found on the New England Tablelands from south of Armidale to the Gibraltar Range, at an altitude of 800 to 1000 m.

Habitat and ecology

Found in streamside vegetation and under rocks and fallen timber along rocky streams flowing eastward from the Tablelands.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Clearing of streamside habitat for agriculture.
Trampling and degradation of streamside vegetation by domestic stock.
Removal of fallen timber and rocks used as shelter.
Use of herbicides, insecticides and other chemicals near streams.
Increased ultra-violet radiation.
Chytrid fungal disease.
Insufficient understanding of taxonomy.
Insufficient understanding of distribution.

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

Limit firewood collection in areas of potential habitat.
Retain bushrock in natural setting and obtain rocks for gardens only from licensed dealers.
Protect water courses from pollution.
Take care with the use of herbicides, insecticides and other chemicals near wetlands and streams, and consider alternatives where available.
Protect streamside vegetation from clearing or disturbance.
Fence streamsides to protect from grazing stock.
Report any records of the Peppered Tree Frog to the DPE.
Clean footwear, equipment and tyres before and after visiting frog sites.
Only handle frogs when absolutely necessary.

Information sources

Cogger, H.G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6th Edition. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001) Yellow-spotted Bell Frog (Litoria castanea) and Peppered Tree Frog (Litoria piperata) Recovery Plan. NPWS, Sydney.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

New England Tablelands	Armidale Plateau	Known	Above 800 m altitude
New England Tablelands	Glenn Innes-Guyra Basalts	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Nightcap	Known	Above 800 m altitude
New England Tablelands	Northeast Forest Lands	Known	Above 800 m altitude
New England Tablelands	Stanthorpe Plateau	Known	Above 800 m altitude
New England Tablelands	Wongwibinda Plateau	Predicted	None
NSW North Coast	Cataract	Predicted	None
NSW North Coast	Dalmorton	Known	Above 800 m altitude
NSW North Coast	Rocky River Gorge	Predicted	None
NSW North Coast	Washpool	Predicted	None

Images

Peppered Frog
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