Stuttering Barred Frog (southern population)
Populations of Stuttering Barred Frogs are fast disappearing.
The species has not been spotted in Victoria since 1983 and may well be extinct here. This 80mm frog lives near fast-flowing streams in wet forests along the east coast of Australia, from north-eastern Victoria to southern Queensland.
Yellow-grey in colour, it is also known as the Southern Barred Frog because of the narrow, dark stripes on its arms and legs. Stuttering Barred Frogs get their name from their stuttering 'op' call. They can often sound like a kookaburra in a hurry.
Major threats
Logging, animal grazing and land clearing on its water catchment habitat threaten the existence of Stuttering Frogs.
Then there is Chytridiomycosis, a disease caused by the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus with no effective means of control. It’s a big cause of frog deaths worldwide.
Stuttering Barred Frogs are also in danger from introduced fish that prey on its eggs and tadpoles.
The plan for fighting extinction
There are two distinct forms of Stuttering Barred Frogs and Zoos Victoria is focusing on the southern form. We will continue to breed this form in captivity, collecting more tadpoles to increase genetic diversity.
How you can help
- Encourage the use of phosphate-free detergents and cleaners. This will make our waterways a cleaner, safer place for frogs and other wildlife.
- Visiting our zoos supports our work to fight extinction.
- Donate if you can. We are a not-for-profit organisation, and all donations go towards our important conservation efforts.
- Discover more about local conservation events and join the growing number of wild activists taking action for wildlife.
Zoos Victoria is fighting to save the Victorian population of the Stuttering Barred Frog.
