Sunset Frog
Spicospina flammocaerulea
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 4/07/2019
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Endangered
Listed since: 18/11/2021
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 Sunset Frog is a black or very dark grey frog growing to 35 mm. It has bright reddish-orange hands and feet as well as orange patches below the anus and margins to jaws and a bright orange throat. No reliable data on the population size of the Sunset Frog is available but it is a habitat specialist.
Threats
Quollity Conservation Hub's Overall Priority Score
22
Average life span:
> 5yrs and < 10yrs
Number of young produced each year:
< 100
Number of breeding events each year:
One
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
An extremely small geographic range makes the Sunset Frog particularly susceptible to local catastrophes. An apparent decline in frog numbers at one locality following wildfires in 1994 suggests a possible risk from fire. Disease is also a possible threat with Chytridiomycosis, an infectious disease affecting amphibians worldwide.