Spotted Tree Frog
Litoria spenceri
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Critically Endangered
Listed since: 13/11/2021
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Critically Endangered
Listed since: 23/08/2021
Population trend: Decreasing
Other names: Spencer's River Tree Frog
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 Spotted Tree Frog is restricted to a small region of the Great Dividing Range in south-east Australia, between Mount Kosciusko in southern New South Wales and the Central Highlands of Victoria with most of the population restricted to north-west draining mountain streams. Both juvenile and adult frogs can be found on exposed rocks, loose rocky cobble banks, debris, and low vegetation that includes sedges and ferns. Juvenile frogs remain near the stream edge as they develop. Adults can venture further away but are usually found within 30 m of the stream bank. Spotted Tree Frogs are sedentary. A radio-tracking study showed that most adults move less than 80 m over several years.
Threats
Quollity Conservation Hub's Overall Priority Score
64
Average life span:
Unknown
Number of young produced each year:
Unknown
Number of breeding events each year:
Unknown
Minimum sexual maturity age:
Unknown
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 main threats impacting the Spotted Tree Frog are climate change (increase heatwaves and changes in rainfall), increased bushfires, disease and habitat loss.