Recovery Plan for the Stream-Dwelling Rainforest Frogs of the Wet Tropics Biogeographic Region of North-East Queensland 2000–2004
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Recovery plan for the stream-dwelling rainforest frogs of the wet tropics biogeographic region of north-east Queensland 2000–2004 Prepared by the Northern Queensland Threatened Frogs Recovery Team Nyctimystes dayi Lace-eyed tree frog Recovery plan for the stream-dwelling rainforest frogs of the Wet Tropics biogeographic region of north-east Queensland 2000–2004 © The State of Queensland, Environmental Protection Agency Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by the Copyright Act, reproduction by whatever means is prohibited without the prior written knowledge of the Environmental Protection Agency. Inquiries should be addressed to PO Box 155, BRISBANE ALBERT ST, QLD 4002. Prepared by: The Northern Queensland Threatened Frogs Recovery Team Copies may be obtained from the: Executive Director Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service PO Box 155 Brisbane Albert St Qld 4002 Disclaimer: The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service publishes recovery plans to detail the actions needed for the conservation of threatened native wildlife. The attainment of objectives and the provision of funds may be subject to budgetary and other constraints affecting the parties involved, and may also be constrained by the need to address other conservation priorities. Approved recovery plans may be subject to modification due to changes in knowledge and changes in conservation status. Publication reference: Northern Queensland Threatened Frogs Recovery Team. 2001. Recovery plan for the stream-dwelling rainforest frogs of the Wet Tropics biogeographic region of north-east Queensland 2000–2004. Report to Environment Australia, Canberra. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Brisbane. Material presented in this document may not be copied unless approved by the Northern Queensland Threatened Frogs Recovery Team. Recovery plan for the stream-dwelling rainforest frogs of the Wet Tropics biogeographic region of north-east Queensland 2000–2004 Contents Summary 2 Introduction 4 Recovery objectives 13 Recovery actions 14 1 Population assessment and monitoring 14 Long term intensive population monitoring 14 Monitoring population recovery at historical sites 14 Extensive surveys of suitable habitat 15 2 Investigate the role of disease as a threatening factor 15 Examination of ill and dead amphibians for disease 16 Development of sensitive diagnostic tools 16 Understanding factors determining pathogenicity 16 Examining frogs used to determine F.A. index for the amphibian chytrid 17 Surveys of museum specimens for chytrid fungus and other agents 17 Protocols to prevent spread of pathogens to threatened amphibians 17 Information dissemination 18 3 Translocate and re-introduce species for adaptive management 19 Development of husbandry techniques 19 Translocation trials 20 Repatriation to formerly occupied sites 20 4 Clarify the needs of species 21 Population dynamics 21 Movement patterns and habitat use 21 Diet 21 Analyse and publish ecological data already collected 21 5 Inform and involve the public in the recovery process 22 Disseminate information 22 Community participation 22 Liaise with and involve land-owners 22 Ensure effective recovery team function 23 6 Ensure frog needs are considered in land management decisions 23 Implementation schedule 25 Acknowledgments 26 References 26 Appendix 1: Northern Queensland Threatened Frogs Recovery Team 30 Appendix 2: Species information. 31 Summary This document is a five-year multi-species plan for the recovery of seven endangered species of frogs in the Wet Tropics. A better understanding has been gained of the conservation biology of these species since the preparation of the 1995 draft of the plan, necessitating updating of the original plan. Three species have not been located in their known habitats and an additional four have suffered significant declines. The causes of these dramatic population crashes are unknown. Consequently, ongoing monitoring of key sites and investigations into causes of decline continue to be essential activities for the recovery of these species at this time, and are integral to the development of effective threat abatement measures. This recovery plan details the decline, possible threats and current and proposed research and management actions required in the second phase of recovery for each species. The estimated total cost of implementing this plan is $1.523 million and involves the co-operative efforts of community groups, researchers, land managers and funding agencies. The plan will be reviewed by the recovery team and two independent reviewers at the end of its third year. Overall objective To significantly improve the conservation status and long term survival of each species through protection of existing populations, location of additional populations or expansion of existing populations into previously inhabited areas. Specific objectives (2000-2004) 1. Establish the continued existence of populations of T. acutirostris, T. rheophilus, L. lorica and L. nyakalensis. 2. Secure the existing populations of all extant species. 3. Identify and reduce or eliminate the major threatening process(es). 4. Increase the number of stable populations of all extant species by expansion into their former ranges. 5. Ensure that frog conservation is incorporated into all appropriate land management decisions by raising the awareness of the declining frog problem within all levels of government and the general community. Performance criteria (2000-2004) 1. Location of at least one self-sustaining population of T. acutirostris, L. lorica and L. nyakalensis by 2004 if they are extant. 2. If populations of T. acutirostris, L. lorica and L. nyakalensis are located by 2004, population densities are self-sustaining and remain at or increase above the levels at which originally detected. 3. Population densities of L. nannotis, L. rheocola, N. dayi and T. rheophilus remain at or increase above current levels at selected monitoring sites. 4. The major threatening process(s) are identified by 2004. 5. Strategies for the reduction of threatening processes are developed by 2004 and threat abatement measures are being implemented. 6. At least one additional self-sustaining population of L. nannotis, L. rheocola and N. dayi is established in part of their former range by 2004. 7. Communication between investigators, planners, land managers and the community is effective. 2 8. The public and local communities are well informed about species covered in this plan and have access to information. Actions 1. Assess and monitor populations. 2. Investigate disease as a threatening factor. 3. Translocate and reintroduce species on an adaptive management basis. 4. Clarify the needs of the species. 5. Inform and involve the public in the recovery of species. 6. Ensure frog needs are considered in relevant land management decisions. 3 Introduction Current Species Status The seven species considered in this recovery plan are listed as endangered in the Queensland Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994, the Action Plan for Australian Frogs (Tyler 1997) and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Table 1). Table 1. Conservation status of species Common Name Scientific Name Action Plan Qld NC(W) EPBC Act 1997 Reg 1994 1999 Sharp-snouted Day Taudactylus EN EN EN Frog acutirostris Northern Tinker Frog Taudactylus EN EN EN rheophilus Armoured Mistfrog Litoria lorica EN EN EN Waterfall Frog Litoria nannotis EN EN EN Mountain Mistfrog Litoria nyakalensis EN EN EN Common Mistfrog Litoria rheocola EN EN EN Australian Lace-lid Nyctimystes dayi EN EN EN All seven species have undergone range contractions, with dramatic population declines in most populations at altitudes greater than about 300m. Four species, Taudactylus acutirostris, T. rheophilus, Litoria lorica, and L. nyakalensis were only known from locations above this altitude. Populations of three of these species can no longer be located, with the fourth, T. rheophilus, only known from two small streams. The remaining three species, L. nannotis, L. rheocola and Nyctimystes dayi, appear to have stable populations at lower altitudes. Further information on individual species is contained in Appendix 2, Species Information. Habitat Requirements and Limiting Factors Historically the seven frogs were all restricted to perennial rainforest streams of the Wet Tropics biogeographic region. L. nannotis, L. rheocola, N. dayi, L. nyakalensis, and T. acutirostris were widely distributed within the region, the latter two species restricted to upland areas. L. lorica was confined to upland rainforest on Thornton Peak, and T. rheophilus has four disjunct populations in upland rainforest between Thornton Peak and Bellenden Ker. Litoria lorica and L. nannotis were largely restricted to cascades and splash zones of fast- flowing streams. L. nyakalensis, L. rheocola and N. dayi use a variety of streamside vegetation and rock perches, usually near fast-flowing sections of stream. T. acutirostris and T. rheophilus are found among rocks, roots, or leaf litter in and beside streams. Threatening Processes (based on McDonald and Alford 1999) The declining species are associated with rainforest streams in upland areas. Declines occurred suddenly for highly susceptible species which had close associations with streams. Despite considerable effort, the cause(s) of these declines have not been determined, although several hypotheses have been put forward for testing. The aim of this recovery plan is to explain these threatening