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 pughi
Gazetted date:
29 Apr 2005
Profile last updated:
22 Jul 2020
Description
Philoria pughi was recently identified following a taxonomic review of the Philoria species of north east NSW. It has a robust, pear-shaped body to 30 mm long, varying in colour from red, yellow or maroon above or, occasionally, light tan or bronze. The flanks usually bear a conspicuous black patch, and a facial stripe extends from the snout through the eye to the base of the forelimb. The belly is mostly yellow with red patches on the abdomen.
Distribution
A restricted distribution at mid to high elevations from Gibraltar Range State Forest, north-east of Glen Innes, through Gibraltar Range National Park, Washpool National Park and Forest Land State Forest to Girard State Forest west of Casino.
Habitat and ecology
- Requires continually high moisture levels and is most common in subtropical and temperate rainforests.
- Found in shallow burrows in mud, moss or leaf-litter in the headwaters and along edges of constantly flowing streams or around permanent soaks in highland forest.
- 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
- Degradation of habitat as a result of forestry activities or other potentially degrading current or historical land uses (e.g. mining activity).
- Infection by amphibian chytrid fungus.
- Trampling of habitat by domestic stock.
- Reduction of moisture levels caused by forest management activities including timber harvesting, road construction and burning.
- Anthropogenic climate change resulting in microclimate modification.
- Isolation of populations as a result of clearing and fragmentation of wet forest remnants, usually as a result of agricultural and forestry practices.
- Risk of local extirpation due to small and scattered populations.
- Limited distribution places this species at risk from stochastic events.
- Potential for disturbance from roadside maintenance or other activity associated with roads through habitat areas.
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 Philoria pughi 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.
- 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.
- Adopt the OEH frog hygiene protocol to prevent the spread of chytrid fungus in amphibian habitat.
- Exclude cattle from known habitat.
- Monitor populations to assess threats and determine population viability.
Information sources
- NSW Scientific Committee (2005) Philoria pughi (a frog) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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