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
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.
Quollity Conservation Hub's Vulnerability Score:
47
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 - 500
Unknown
3 - 5yrs
DCCEEW - Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
SPRAT - DCCEEW Species Profile and Threats Database