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: Litoria verreauxii alpina
Gazetted date:
15 Mar 2002
Profile last updated:
01 Dec 2017
Description
The Alpine Tree Frog is a relatively small tree frog, growing to about 3 cm long. Colouration is highly variable; there are green, brown and grey forms. They have a black stripe from the nostrils, through the eyes, to the top of the foreleg, and a (usually divided) broad brown stripe from the eyes and down the back. The distinguishing feature of the Alpine Tree Frog is its warty back, whereas the lowland Whistling Tree Frog is generally smooth. The call is a "trilled whistle ‘cree…cree…cree…’", heard in late spring and summer. Tadpoles grow to about 4 cm and have a dark olive brown back and a coppery sheen on the sides and underneath.
Distribution
The Alpine Tree Frog occurs in the south-eastern NSW and Victorian high country (alpine and sub-alpine zones) generally above 1100 m asl. Most locations are within National Park and some are close to alpine resorts.
Habitat and ecology
- Found in a wide variety of habitats including woodland, heath, grassland and herb fields.
- Breed in natural and artificial wetlands including ponds, bogs, fens, streamside pools, stock dams and drainage channels that are still or slow flowing.
- It does not climb well, and spends most of its time on the ground.
- Eats beetles, flies, spiders and moth larvae.
- Breeding occurs in December.
- Males call from the water at the edges of the pools, and eggs are attached to submerged vegetation.
- Tadpoles metamorphose into froglets in late summer.
- Non-breeding habitat and overwintering refuges are poorly known but are likely to include flat rocks, fallen logs, leaf litter and other ground debris.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss or modification of habitat including damage by feral horses.
- Changes to natural water flows as a result of groundwater extraction.
- Disease - chytrid fungus.
- Climate change including increased UV-B radiation.
- Poor knowledge of the species' distribution and population dynamics across its range
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
- Protect breeding pools from pollution.
- Minimise the use of herbicides and pesticides in and adjacent to habitat.
- Retain fallen timber, rocks and other debris near wetlands and creeks.
- Protect breeding pools from clearing or disturbance.
- Maintain natural water flows.
Information sources
- Barker J., Grigg G. and Tyler M.J. (1995) A Field Guide to Australian frogs. (Surrey Beatty and Sons, Sydney)
- Cogger, H.G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6th Edition. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
- NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Alpine tree frog - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
- Robinson, M. (1993) A Field Guide to the Frogs of Australia. Reed Books, Sydney.
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