Spotted Tree frogs hop back to top spot

2 February, 2012

260 captive-bred Spotted Tree Frogs are being released back into the Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria’s north east in an effort to re-establish the species in a former stronghold.

Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Senior Biodiversity Officer Glen Johnson said: “The species was initially confirmed extinct at the release site in 1983.”

“A small number of frogs that were rescued from a nearby site have been used in a captive breeding program over the past six years and it’s their young that will go back to this site.”

“This is the first release of a three year release program. We know Buffalo provides great habitat for this species, and we’ll be undertaking monitoring to confirm the frogs survival and breeding success.”

“The frogs to be released range from one to three years old and a number are sexually mature adults.”

“Importantly the release site is free of Chytrid, a deadly frog fungus that is one of the causes of frog declines worldwide,” Mr Johnson said.

Parks Victoria has been working in the Mount Buffalo National Park to create a favourable habitat for the frogs.

Parks Victoria (Alpine District) Chief Ranger Peter Jacobs said: “Re-establishing the Spotted Tree Frogs into the area is much anticipated. We’ve been eliminating Blackberries, Willows, Himalayan Honeysuckle and other weeds from the release creek line and surrounding catchment.”

The Spotted Tree Frog is found in up to 10 catchments in Victoria and one in New South Wales.

The Spotted Tree Frog (Litoria spenceri) is listed as a Threatened species under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

The release is part of a National Recovery Program, led by DSE in partnership with agencies and groups from Victoria and New South Wales.

The frogs being released were bred at the Amphibian Research Centre (ARC). Funding for the Spotted Tree Frog project is provided by ARC, Parks Victoria, DSE region, and statewide initiative via the North East Catchment Management Authority.

The Victorian Government has a responsibility under the Wildlife Act 1975 and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 to protect threatened species. These animals and plants contribute significantly to the biodiversity of their ecosystems. The knowledge we acquire about these species helps us to then take the on-ground steps needed to ensure their survival.

Spotted Tree frog - photo by Glen Johnson