Pouched Frog
Assa darlingtoni
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 7/09/2023
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 13/12/2021
Population trend: Decreasing
Other names: No other names
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 Pouched Frog is mainly found in temperate and sub-tropical rainforests and is not associated with water bodies but does require moist forest habitats for breeding. The are heard from under logs, rocks and leaf litter and breeding is limited to spring and summer. Eggs are deposited under rocks or among leaf ltter which are surrounded by large jelly capsules. As the name suggests, the embryos emerge from the eggs and wriggle on to a nearby adult male and into pouches on either side of the male's body. This can take up to 12 hours and can carry multiple clutches. Metamorphosis occurs within the pouch and the little frogs emerge after 60 to 80 days.
Threats
Quollity Conservation Hub's Overall Priority Score
47
Average life span:
> 5yrs and < 10yrs
Number of young produced each year:
100 - 500
Number of breeding events each year:
Unknown
Minimum sexual maturity age:
3 - 5yrs
Who is helping
Useful links for more detailed information on this species
DCCEEW - Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
SPRAT - DCCEEW Species Profile and Threats Database
The primary threat to the Pouched Frog is the loss of habitat caused by bushfires and climate change with habitat loss through logging and land clearing is the cause of historic population declines.