Hosmer's Frog
Cophixalus hosmeri
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Critically Endangered
Listed since: 4/07/2019
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Endangered
Listed since: 3/08/2020
Population trend: Stable
Other names: Rattling Nursery-frog, Pipping
Priority Species? No
The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.
Description
The Rattling Nursery Frog is a small species of frog with a mean adult mass of 0.27g and are restricted to the Carbine Tableland in the Wet Tropics of northern Queensland. They differ from other species of frogs as they are terrestrial breeders and do not need surface water to breed.They require high levels of soil and litter moisture where they lay their eggs. The tadpole develops inside the egg and when it has completed metamorphosis, it hatches from the egg as a fully formed froglet.
Threats
Climate change is a potential threat to this species due to modelling being conducted which suggests that they could lose more than 50% of their core habitat with a 1�C increase in temperature. Habitat loss and degradation and disease are also known factors that can affect this species.
Quollity Conservation Hub's Vulnerability Score:
63
To help compare the relative vulnerability of different species, we have developed a scoring system based on biological and ecological characteristics that influence a species' ability to survive and recover from environmental change and natural disasters.
The framework is adapted from assessment methods used by conservation experts following the Black Summer bushfires to help identify species most in need of conservation action, research, and recovery funding.
Each species is assessed using a range of factors, including its conservation status, lifespan, reproductive rate, habitat and dietary requirements, ability to disperse or recover after fire, and the number and severity of threats it faces.
In general, the higher a species' score, the greater its overall vulnerability and risk of decline or extinction.
Like all conservation assessments, this scoring system is limited by the information currently available. Many threatened species remain poorly studied and receive limited research funding, meaning some assessments rely on the best available scientific knowledge or information from closely related species. As new research becomes available, scores may be updated to reflect our improved understanding.
Average life span:
Number of young produced each year:
Number of breeding events each year:
Minmum sexual maturity age:
> 5yrs and < 10yrs
< 100
Unknown
Unknown
DCCEEW - Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
SPRAT - DCCEEW Species Profile and Threats Database