Populations of the Spotted Tree Frog have declined to the point that it is now critically endangered.

This species can live up to 10 years, which is quite old for a frog. It lives in the mountain streams of north-eastern Victoria and southern New South Wales. Now it’s only found in a few rocky mountain streams.

Major threats

Like most Australian and international frogs, the Spotted Tree Frog is threatened by the disease, Chytridiomycosis. This is caused by the rapidly spreading Amphibian Chytrid Fungus. Populations of the Spotted Tree Frog are also affected by trout and disturbance to the habitat.

The plan for fighting extinction

Zoos Victoria is playing a major role in the Spotted Tree Frog Recovery Program. We maintain a population in captivity and help monitor the existing populations. This includes re-introducing frogs into the wild.

Zoos Victoria is also researching the role of trout and the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus in the declining numbers.

How you can help

  • Donate if you can, because every little bit helps. You can help us continue to make a major contribution to the Spotted Tree Frog Recovery Program. As we are a not-for-profit organisation, all donations go toward our important conservation efforts.
  • By visiting Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo or Werribee Open Range Zoo, you are supporting our work to fight extinction.
  • Discover more about local conservation events and join the growing number of wild activists taking action for local wildlife.

 

The Spotted Tree Frog Project is supported by the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program through the Threatened Species Recovery Hub and funding from the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Program for Wildlife and their Habitats. Zoos Victoria is grateful for funding support towards this project from The Calvert-Jones Foundation and through Cadbury’s Save The Frogs initiative.

 

Population Trend:
Decreasing
Number left in the wild:
Fewer than 12,000

Conservation Status

  • LC
    Least Concern
  • NT
    Near Threatened
  • VU
    Vulnerable
  • EN
    Endangered
  • CR
    Critically Endangered
  • EW
    Extinct in the Wild
  • EX
    Extinct