Mountain-top Nursery-frog
Cophixalus monticola
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Critically Endangered
Listed since: 4/07/2019
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Critically Endangered
Listed since: 3/08/2020
Population trend: Stable
Other names: Montane Frog
Priority Species? Yes
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 Mountain Top Nursery Frog is considered one of the most restricted amphibian species in Australia. It is only found on Mt Lewis in northern Queensland at high altitudes and is particularly susceptible to climate change as it requires high precipitation and cooler temperatures. This species of frog is different to most other frog species as they do not need surface water to breed, but require high levels of soil and litter moisture to ensure eggs develop and hatch. The embryo develops directly in the egg and then hatches out as a tiny froglet.
Threats
Threats to the Mountain Top Nursery Frog include climate change, habitat degradation, disease and introduced species.
Quollity Conservation Hub's Vulnerability Score:
70
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:
> 2yrs and < 5yrs
< 100
One
1 - 2yrs
DCCEEW - Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
SPRAT - DCCEEW Species Profile and Threats Database