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.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Philoria kundagungan
Gazetted date:
29 Apr 2005
Profile last updated:
12 Jan 2023
Description
Mountain Frogs are small, smooth, plump frogs to 30 mm that can be spectacularly coloured dark orange-red above and bright yellow below with a red throat. Like most Philoria species, individuals are variable in colour and pattern, but usually a black band runs from the snout through the eye and down the side of the head and sometimes there are black markings along the back above the groin. They also lack any webbing between the fingers or toes.
Distribution
The Mountain Frog has a restricted distribution from the Mistake Mountains in south-east Queensland to Tooloom National Park, southwest of Woodenbong, in NSW. In NSW populations are known from Tooloom, Koreelah and Mount Clunie National Parks. In Queensland a number of populations occur in Main Range National Park.
Habitat and ecology
- The Mountain Frog, as with other Philoria species, requires continually high moisture levels and is most common in subtropical and temperate rainforests. It is found in shallow burrows in mud moss or in leaf-litter in the headwaters and along the edges of constantly flowing streams or around permanent soaks in highland forest.
- It 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
- Risk of local extinction due to small, scattered populations.
- Isolation of populations as a result of clearing and fragmentation of wet forest remnants, usually as a result of agricultural and forestry practices.
- Degradation of habitat as a result of forest management activities including logging, road construction and burning.
- Degradation of habitat due to changes in hydrological regimes and water quality from forestry and grazing activities.
- Infection by amphibian chytrid fungus.
- Anthropogenic climate change.
- Potential threat of feral pigs damaging species habitat
- Risk of mortality and population extinction due to Chytridiomycosis. A research project has identified infected adult individuals; however, it is unknown if the species is detrimentally affected by the disease.
- Risk of local extinction due to the ongoing state of decline due climate change and chytridiomycosis
- Severe wildfire following drought (both likely results of climate change) is shifting the climatic niche of the habitat such that it is no longer able to sustain the species, particularly at low elevation sites. It is considered likely that loss of leaf litter for shelter and soil moisture due to fire increases adult mortality (i.e. direct mortality or lag mortality through predation or lack of food) and kills tadpoles.
- Habitat disturbance and modification from recreational ‘herpers’ or frog enthusiasts targeting the species or similarly rare species, and also potentially spreading chytridiomycosis.
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
2 priority actions
to help recover the Mountain Frog in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Protect known and potential habitat from forest management practices that reduce dry season stream flows and ground moisture levels.
- Prevent conversion of large areas of old-growth forest to young, even-aged stands.
- 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.
- Exclude fire from areas of potential habitat
- Adopt the OEH frog hygiene protocol to prevent the spread of chytrid fungus in amphibian habitat.
- Monitor known populations to identify threats and population viability.
Information sources
- Cogger, H.G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6th Edition. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Fauna. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- NSW Scientific Committee (2005) Mountain frog - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|