State of the Environment

2006

Issue: Response of biota - Frogs

This is an issue under the Inland waters theme of the Data Reporting System.

Why we need to know about this issue

Frog species are found Australia wide, with the greatest diversity being in the east (particularly northeast Queensland) and southwest. Many species have suffered dramatic population declines since the 1980s, including disappearances from pristine habitats. Some of the factors responsible for the fall in frog numbers are: drainage of wetlands, trampling of ponds by animals such as cattle, insecticides and herbicides, introduction of the mosquito fish, trout and other fish that prey on frog eggs and tadpoles, increased salinity caused by land clearance and siltation from forestry operations. Climate change may also be a factor.

Frogs are very sensitive indicators of declining inland water health. Species are found Australia wide, with the greatest diversity being in the east (particularly northeast Queensland) and southwest. Many species have suffered dramatic population declines since the 1980s, including disappearances from pristine habitats.

Chytrid (pronounced 'Ky-trid') fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is an infectious disease that affects amphibians worldwide. It has spread through frog populations since the 1970s.

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