Corroboree Frog
Critically Endangered
Population
It is estimated that fewer than 50 Corroboree Frogs remain
Size
A body size of between 2.5 to 3.0 centimetres long
Weight
This species weights between 2 and 3 grams
Countries
Australia
Distribution
The Corroboree Frog is only found in sub-alpine regions in Australia, specifically New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory in a 400 km² range.
Description
The Corroboree Frog has 2 different sub-species, The North Corroboree Frog and the South Corroboree Frog. All Corroboree Frogs have different patterns and display bright colours including bright yellow and black patterns on their back. The underbelly of the Corroboree Frog displays blue colours.
Quick Facts
Key behaviour of the Corroboree Frog includes:
- Corroboree Frogs are poisonous
- The species is unique amongst frogs as it produces its own poison instead of getting from a food source
- The species becomes sexually mature at around 4 years of age
- Breeding for the species occurs in December and often takes place near shallow pools, fens, seepages, wet grassland or wet heaths
- Males of the species build chamber nests within grass and moss
- Mates are chosen via songs performed by the males. Males will attract up to 10 females at a time to their burrow which will then be filled with eggs
- The Corroboree Frog hibernates for the winter
The diet of a typical Corroboree frog includes beetles, mites, ants and insect larvae while eating algae blooms as tadpoles.
The Corroboree Frog is only found in two areas in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory in Australia which span 400 square kilometres. The species main habitat when it is in non-breeding times consists of forests, woodlands and heath which are near breeding sites and habitat.
The species is facing the following threats to its existence:
- Habitat Destruction – this is often caused by 4WD enthusiasts within its range, ski resort development and ferrel animals
- Drought within the habitat range
- Increase in ozone
- Infection with the chytrid fungus, however the egg populations appear to be immune to this (just not the frog)
Conservation Efforts
Some of the conservation efforts which we proudly support are
Amphibian Research Centre
The Amphibian Research Centre has begun aiding this species by collecting eggs and beginning to provide research into possible captive breeding of the species, gathering information of lifecycle and how best to release into the wild.
