Spotted Tree Frog - The Program

The Program Focus 

Of the few populations remaining, all are considered vulnerable to extinction from various threats. Some have relatively stable populations while others are declining, with some on the brink of extinction. The conservation program focuses on:

  • Population monitoring to assess the ongoing status of populations and gain knowledge of the population dynamics of the species
  • Captive breeding programs to trial re-introduction at sites where the species has become extinct, and to provide insurance backup for wild populations
  • Research and evaluation of potential causes of decline
  • Habitat protection and management of catchments with respect to other land use practices, weed and fire management

The Program Plan

The overall objective of the National Recovery Plan (currently under revision) is to achieve down-listing of the Spotted Tree Frog from Endangered nationally to a lower threat category based on 1994 IUCN Red List criteria of population size and trends, extent of occurrence, and probability of extinction.

The specific objectives of recovery for the Spotted Tree Frog are to:

  • Address known or predicted threats to the Spotted Tree Frog
  • Ensure that no more Spotted Tree Frog populations become extinct
  • Increase our understanding of Spotted Tree Frog biology and ecology, and potentially threatening processes that may be detrimentally affecting the species, in order to better manage the species and its habitat, and to mitigate threats to the species
  • Ensure that land use activities will not impinge on the survival of the Spotted Tree Frog
  • Encourage community awareness and support for Spotted Tree Frog conservation

Zoos Victoria's Role

Zoos Victoria’s key roles in the recovery of this species are to:

  1. Supplement in situ populations through captive breeding for reintroduction.
  2. Maintain an insurance population in captivity In the event that the wild population continues to decline.
  3. Help with population monitoring programs.
  4. Undertake research into the role of Amphibian Chytrid Fungus in population declines.
  5. Increase community awareness of the plight of the Spotted Tree Frog and community support for its conservation.