Draft Regional Recovery Plan for the Golden Bell Frog Litoria Raniformis

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Draft Regional Recovery Plan for the Golden Bell Frog Litoria Raniformis Department for Environment and Heritage Murraylands Region Recovery Plan for the Golden Bell Frog Litoria raniformis in the South Australian River Murray Corridor October 2006 Department for Environment and Heritage South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board Published by the Department for Environment and Heritage, Berri, South Australia © Department for Environment and Heritage, 2005 Draft edited by staff of Murraylands Regional Office, Department for Environment and Heritage. For further information contact Regional Conservation Directorate, Murraylands Department for Environment and Heritage Berri Office 28 Vaughan Terrace Berri SA 5343 Australia Phone: (61 8) 8595 2111 This d oc ument may b e c ited as Sc hultz, M.A. (2005) Rec overy Plan for the Gold en Bell Frog Litoria raniformis in the South Australian River Murray Corrid or, Department for Environment a nd Heritage Ad elaid e, South Australia. Acknowledgements Cover photographs: Golden Bell Frog © Andrew Franc is. Taxonomy follows Robinson et al. (2000). Distribution map by Benno Curth. This projec t was funded by the Integrated Natural Resourc e Management Group for the South Australian Murray Darling Basin Inc. Summary The Golden Bell Frog Litoria raniformis also c ommonly known as the Southern Bell Frog is a large frog (up to 10 c m long) assoc iated with permanent and temporary water bodies. This frog was onc e found ac ross a large portion of south-eastern Australia and Tasmania , but has suffered a dramatic dec line throughout its distribution sinc e the early 1990s. In South Australia it is now restric ted to sc attered populations in the River Murray c orridor and in the south-east. As a result of this dec line the Golden Bell Frog has been listed as Endangered under the IUCN (2000) Red List of Threatened Spec ies, Vulnerable under the Commonwealth Environment Protec tion and Biodiversity Conservation Ac t 1999. In South Australia it is listed as Vulnerable under the National Parks and Wildlife Ac t 1972. The reasons for the dec line of the Golden Bell Frog are not well understood and may c onstitute multiple fac tors. Certainly habitat loss and habitat fragmentation have played a major role, other c ontributing fac tors c ould inc lude, river regulation and high levels of c onsumptive water use whic h may be exac erbated by prolonged periods of drought, predation of eggs and tadpoles by introduced fish, diseases such as Chytridiomycosis, toxins including herbic ides polluting wetlands and pressures from grazing and other forms of habitat degradation. In addition, in the long-term c limate c hange also has the potential to contribute to the decline of this species. This rec overy plan aims in the short-term to identify the breeding and refuge habitat requirements of the Golden Bell Frog within the South Australian River Murray c orridor and initiate management programs to stop further population dec lines and provide c onditions favourable to population inc reases. In the long term this plan aims to improve the c onservation status and rec overy potential of the Golden Bell Frog. These aims are to be ac hieved by determining the distribution and habitat preferenc es of this frog in the River Murray c orridor in South Australia, so that these areas may be protec ted. Initiating researc h into threatening proc esses so that these threats may be better managed ; identifying the role that managed wetlands c an play in the c onservation of Golden Bell Frogs. And involving the broader community in Golden Bell Frog Conservation. In addition to other frog spec ies, wetlands provide valuable habitat for a wide range of nationally listed and state listed fauna and flora. In rec ent surveys of four wetlands in the Murraylands region in whic h Golden Bell Frogs were rec orded , one nationally listed bird spec ies and 17 state listed bird spec ies were rec orded. In addition the state listed Broad- shelled Tortoise Chelodina expansa has been rec orded in temporary wetlands where Golden Bell Frogs have been recorded breeding. The protec tion of Golden Bell Frog habitat, inc luding temporary and permanent wetlands, will have benefits for a wide range of other important flora and fauna species. The wetland areas where this frog has been rec orded provide important breeding areas for native fish, breeding areas and refuge for notable water birds and provide areas for the regeneration of key floodplain plant species. Recovery Plan for the Golden Bell Frog in the SA River Murray Corridor i Table of Contents 1.0. Introduction..............................................................................................................................3 1.1 Conservation status ..................................................................................................................3 1.2 Reasons for decline ..................................................................................................................3 1.3 Recovery actions to date........................................................................................................3 2.0. Ecology and Biology ...............................................................................................................4 2.1 Taxonomy...................................................................................................................................4 2.2 Description .................................................................................................................................4 2.3 Distribution..................................................................................................................................4 2.4 Population estimates................................................................................................................5 2.5 Habitat requirements ...............................................................................................................7 2.6 Critical habitat...........................................................................................................................8 2.7 Movements and home range ................................................................................................8 2.8 Diet and foraging behaviour ..................................................................................................8 2.9 Social organisation and reproduction ..................................................................................8 3.0. Threats to species persistence or recovery ..........................................................................9 3.1 River Regulation and Habitat Fragmentation......................................................................9 3.2 Drought.......................................................................................................................................9 3.3 Eastern Gambusia ....................................................................................................................9 3.4 Disease: Chytridiomycosis .....................................................................................................10 3.5 Toxins .........................................................................................................................................10 3.6 Grazing and other habitat degradation ............................................................................11 3.7 Climate Change .....................................................................................................................11 3.8 Knowledge Gaps....................................................................................................................11 4.0. Recovery Objectives.............................................................................................................12 4.1 Broad Goal...............................................................................................................................12 4.2 Specific objectives..................................................................................................................12 5.0. Recovery Criteria and Actions .............................................................................................13 6.0. Implementation Schedule ....................................................................................................16 7.0. Biodiversity Benefits...............................................................................................................20 8.0. Relevant Legislation ..............................................................................................................22 9.0. References .............................................................................................................................23 List of Figures Figure 2.1 The current distribution of the Golden Bell Frog in the South Australian River Murray c orridor ................................................................................................................................6 Figure 2.2 Number of sites along the South Australian River Murray c orridor in whic h the Golden Bell Frog was rec orded in 10 EPA Frog Censuses between 1995 and 2004 . ................................................................................................................................................7 List of Tables Table 6.1: Implementation and c osting sc hedule for the Golden Bell Frog Rec overy Plan.................................................................................................................................................17
Recommended publications
  • Managing Diversity in the Riverina Rice Fields—
    Reconciling Farming with Wildlife —Managing diversity in the Riverina rice fields— RIRDC Publication No. 10/0007 RIRDCInnovation for rural Australia Reconciling Farming with Wildlife: Managing Biodiversity in the Riverina Rice Fields by J. Sean Doody, Christina M. Castellano, Will Osborne, Ben Corey and Sarah Ross April 2010 RIRDC Publication No 10/007 RIRDC Project No. PRJ-000687 © 2010 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 1 74151 983 7 ISSN 1440-6845 Reconciling Farming with Wildlife: Managing Biodiversity in the Riverina Rice Fields Publication No. 10/007 Project No. PRJ-000687 The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances. While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication. The Commonwealth of Australia, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, RIRDC, the authors or contributors. The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication.
    [Show full text]
  • Status Review, Disease Risk Analysis and Conservation Action Plan for The
    Status Review, Disease Risk Analysis and Conservation Action Plan for the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (Myuchelys georgesi) December, 2016 1 Workshop participants. Back row (l to r): Ricky Spencer, Bruce Chessman, Kristen Petrov, Caroline Lees, Gerald Kuchling, Jane Hall, Gerry McGilvray, Shane Ruming, Karrie Rose, Larry Vogelnest, Arthur Georges; Front row (l to r) Michael McFadden, Adam Skidmore, Sam Gilchrist, Bruno Ferronato, Richard Jakob-Hoff © Copyright 2017 CBSG IUCN encourages meetings, workshops and other fora for the consideration and analysis of issues related to conservation, and believes that reports of these meetings are most useful when broadly disseminated. The opinions and views expressed by the authors may not necessarily reflect the formal policies of IUCN, its Commissions, its Secretariat or its members. The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IUCN concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Jakob-Hoff, R. Lees C. M., McGilvray G, Ruming S, Chessman B, Gilchrist S, Rose K, Spencer R, Hall J (Eds) (2017). Status Review, Disease Risk Analysis and Conservation Action Plan for the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle. IUCN SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group: Apple Valley, MN. Cover photo: Juvenile Bellinger River Snapping Turtle © 2016 Brett Vercoe This report can be downloaded from the CBSG website: www.cbsg.org. 2 Executive Summary The Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (BRST) (Myuchelys georgesi) is a freshwater turtle endemic to a 60 km stretch of the Bellinger River, and possibly a portion of the nearby Kalang River in coastal north eastern New South Wales (NSW).
    [Show full text]
  • North Central Waterwatch Frogs Field Guide
    North Central Waterwatch Frogs Field Guide “This guide is an excellent publication. It strikes just the right balance, providing enough information in a format that is easy to use for identifying our locally occurring frogs, while still being attractive and interesting to read by people of all ages.” Rodney Orr, Bendigo Field Naturalists Club Inc. 1 The North Central CMA Region Swan Hill River Murray Kerang Cohuna Quambatook Loddon River Pyramid Hill Wycheproof Boort Loddon/Campaspe Echuca Watchem Irrigation Area Charlton Mitiamo Donald Rochester Avoca River Serpentine Avoca/Avon-Richardson Wedderburn Elmore Catchment Area Richardson River Bridgewater Campaspe River St Arnaud Marnoo Huntly Bendigo Avon River Bealiba Dunolly Loddon/Campaspe Dryland Area Heathcote Maryborough Castlemaine Avoca Loddon River Kyneton Lexton Clunes Daylesford Woodend Creswick Acknowledgement Of Country The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) acknowledges Aboriginal Traditional Owners within the North Central CMA region, their rich culture and their spiritual connection to Country. We also recognise and acknowledge the contribution and interests of Aboriginal people and organisations in the management of land and natural resources. Acknowledgements North Central Waterwatch would like to acknowledge the contribution and support from the following organisations and individuals during the development of this publication: Britt Gregory from North Central CMA for her invaluable efforts in the production of this document, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority for allowing use of their draft field guide, Lydia Fucsko, Adrian Martins, David Kleinert, Leigh Mitchell, Peter Robertson and Nick Layne for use of their wonderful photos and Mallee Catchment Management Authority for their design support and a special thanks to Ray Draper for his support and guidance in the development of the Frogs Field Guide 2012.
    [Show full text]
  • Hindmarsh Island Monitoring
    Hindmarsh Island Monitoring Spring 2015 and Summer 2016 Frog Monitoring Frog surveys are performed by recording the distinctive male frog calls on a digital voice recorder at night. As each species of frog has a unique call, it is possible to estimate the number of calling males for a given species. Two frog survey events took place in spring 2015, the first on 22 September 2015 and the latter on 12 November 2015. On each survey event a total of five sites with varying habitat characteristics were surveyed. The September survey recorded four species: brown tree frog (Litoria ewingii), common froglet (Crinia parinsignifera), eastern banjo frog (Limnodynastes dumerilii), and spotted Figure 1. Long-thumbed frog grass frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis), whilst the long- thumbed frog (Limnodynastes fletcheri); also known as the barking marsh frog, was also recorded on the November survey. The long-thumbed frog starts calling in late September around the Lower Lakes but becomes most vocal in late spring and early summer. As its name suggests, the common froglet was the most common species recorded, present at every site surveyed in both September and November, often in high abundances. Following the common froglet, the most to least common species were the brown tree frog (recorded at seven of 10 sites), banjo frog and spotted grass frog (five sites each), and lastly the long-thumbed frog (two sites). Figure 2. Brown tree frog Frogs were most abundant and diverse at sites that offered complex habitat. An ideal habitat for frogs consists of significant cover by submerged aquatic plants and emergent vegetation; such as typha and phragmties, while also offering areas of open water.
    [Show full text]
  • Catalogue of Protozoan Parasites Recorded in Australia Peter J. O
    1 CATALOGUE OF PROTOZOAN PARASITES RECORDED IN AUSTRALIA PETER J. O’DONOGHUE & ROBERT D. ADLARD O’Donoghue, P.J. & Adlard, R.D. 2000 02 29: Catalogue of protozoan parasites recorded in Australia. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 45(1):1-164. Brisbane. ISSN 0079-8835. Published reports of protozoan species from Australian animals have been compiled into a host- parasite checklist, a parasite-host checklist and a cross-referenced bibliography. Protozoa listed include parasites, commensals and symbionts but free-living species have been excluded. Over 590 protozoan species are listed including amoebae, flagellates, ciliates and ‘sporozoa’ (the latter comprising apicomplexans, microsporans, myxozoans, haplosporidians and paramyxeans). Organisms are recorded in association with some 520 hosts including mammals, marsupials, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Information has been abstracted from over 1,270 scientific publications predating 1999 and all records include taxonomic authorities, synonyms, common names, sites of infection within hosts and geographic locations. Protozoa, parasite checklist, host checklist, bibliography, Australia. Peter J. O’Donoghue, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia; Robert D. Adlard, Protozoa Section, Queensland Museum, PO Box 3300, South Brisbane 4101, Australia; 31 January 2000. CONTENTS the literature for reports relevant to contemporary studies. Such problems could be avoided if all previous HOST-PARASITE CHECKLIST 5 records were consolidated into a single database. Most Mammals 5 researchers currently avail themselves of various Reptiles 21 electronic database and abstracting services but none Amphibians 26 include literature published earlier than 1985 and not all Birds 34 journal titles are covered in their databases. Fish 44 Invertebrates 54 Several catalogues of parasites in Australian PARASITE-HOST CHECKLIST 63 hosts have previously been published.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation Advice for the Karst Springs and Associated Alkaline Fens of the Naracoorte Coastal Plain Bioregion
    The Threatened Species Scientific Committee provided their advice to the Minister on 31 July 2020. The Minister approved this Conservation Advice on 3 December 2020 and agreed that no recovery plan is required at this time. Conservation Advice1 for the Karst springs and associated alkaline fens of the Naracoorte Coastal Plain Bioregion This document combines the approved conservation advice and listing assessment for the threatened ecological community. It provides a foundation for conservation action and further planning. Karst springs and alkaline fens, Ewen Ponds © Copyright, Anthony Hoffman Conservation Status The Karst springs and associated alkaline fens of the Naracoorte Coastal Bioregion is listed in the Endangered category of the threatened ecological communities list under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The ecological community was assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee, who found it to be eligible for listing as Endangered and recommended that a recovery plan is not required at this time. The Committee’s assessment and recommendations are at Section 6. The Committee’s assessment of the eligibility against each of the listing criteria is: Criterion 1: Vulnerable Criterion 2: Endangered Criterion 3: Insufficient data Criterion 4: Endangered Criterion 5: Insufficient data Criterion 6: Insufficient data The main factors that make the threatened ecological community eligible for listing in the Endangered category are its historic losses to drainage, clearing and resulting fragmentation, and ongoing threats to its integrity and function, particularly from hydrological changes. The Karst springs and associated alkaline fens of the Naracoorte Coastal Plain Bioregion occurs within country (the traditional lands) of the Boandik and the Gunditjmara peoples.
    [Show full text]
  • ARAZPA YOTF Infopack.Pdf
    ARAZPA 2008 Year of the Frog Campaign Information pack ARAZPA 2008 Year of the Frog Campaign Printing: The ARAZPA 2008 Year of the Frog Campaign pack was generously supported by Madman Printing Phone: +61 3 9244 0100 Email: [email protected] Front cover design: Patrick Crawley, www.creepycrawleycartoons.com Mobile: 0401 316 827 Email: [email protected] Front cover photo: Pseudophryne pengilleyi, Northern Corroboree Frog. Photo courtesy of Lydia Fucsko. Printed on 100% recycled stock 2 ARAZPA 2008 Year of the Frog Campaign Contents Foreword.........................................................................................................................................5 Foreword part II ………………………………………………………………………………………… ...6 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................9 Section 1: Why A Campaign?....................................................................................................11 The Connection Between Man and Nature........................................................................11 Man’s Effect on Nature ......................................................................................................11 Frogs Matter ......................................................................................................................11 The Problem ......................................................................................................................12 The Reason
    [Show full text]
  • Memoirs of the Queensland Museum
    Memoirs OF THE Queensland Museum W Brisbane Volume 45 29 February 2000 PARTl Memoirs OF THE Queensland Museum Brisbane © Queensland Museum PO Box 3300, SouthBrisbane 4101, Australia Phone 06 7 3840 7555 Fax 06 7 3846 1226 Email [email protected] Website www.qm.qld.gov.au National Library of Australia card number ISSN 0079-8835 NOTE Papers published in this volume and in all previous volumes of the Memoirs of the Queensland Museum maybe reproduced for scientific research, individual study or other educational purposes. Properly acknowledged quotations may be made but queries regarding the republication of any papers should be addressed to the Editor in Chief. Copies of the journal can be purchased from the Queensland Museum Shop. A Guide to Authors is displayed at the Queensland Museum web site A Queensland Government Project Typeset at the Queensland Museum CATALOGUE OF PROTOZOAN PARASITES RECORDED IN AUSTRALIA PETER J. ODONOGHUE & ROBERT D. ADLARD O'Donoghue, P.J. & Adlard, R.D. 2000 02 29: Catalogue ofprotozoan parasites recorded iii -1 Australia. Memoirs ofThe Oiwenslcmd Museum 45( 1 ): I 63. Brisbane. ISSN 0079-8835. Published reports ofprotozoan species from Australian animals have been compiled into a host-parasite checklist, a parasite-host checklist and a cross-referenced bibliography. Protozoa listed include parasites, commensals and s\ mbionls but free-living species have been excluded. Over 590 protozoan species are listed including amoebae, flagcllalcs.ciliates and 'sporo/oa" (tlie latter comprising apicomplexans, microsporans, myxozoans, haplo- sporidians and paramyxeaiis). Organisms are recorded in association with some 520 hosts including eulherian mammals, marsupials, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
    [Show full text]
  • Frog Species of the ACT and Region
    SOME FROG FACTS! Frogs are members of a class of animals with backbones (vertebrates) which evolved almost 400 million years ago. They are split up into three Orders or main groups: • The Caudata, or salamanders and newts, with 400 known species; • The Anura or frogs and toads, with 3500 species; and • The Gymnophonia, or worm-like amphibians, with 150 species. Amphibians are specialised in two ways: • Most have 2 distinct body phases in their life. They start as an aquatic tadpole living in water. Then they undergo a period of change, or metamorphosis, which leaves them as land living animals, with internal gills. • Their skin is very thin and moist. This lets them absorb oxygen and water through their skin, with a large network of blood vessels (capillaries) under the skin to transport gases and moisture. Frogs depend on water to breed, with most frogs breeding in shallow ponds, marshes and streams. However, some species live in areas where water is scarce or far away, for example tree frogs in tropical rainforests. These frogs lay their eggs in tree hollows or in the cup-like bases of certain plants (like bromeliads) where water collects. The eggs hatch in the watery pools and often the female frog comes back to lay feeder eggs to nourish the tadpoles as they grow. Some frogs can live in very dry areas, such as arid places and deserts. They take advantage of rain as it falls and can survive dry periods by storing water in their bodies and secreting mucus to waterproof their skin. Buried in the sand like this, they can survive until the next rains.
    [Show full text]
  • Frogs As an Indicator of Urban Wetland Health
    One pond fits all? Frogs as an indicator of urban wetland health Final report to Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch Supported by: Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch Environment and Planning Directorate ACT Government Contents Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................. 2 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 3 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 5 Material and Methods ............................................................................................................................ 9 Study area and species........................................................................................................................ 9 Field sites ........................................................................................................................................ 9 Frog surveys ...................................................................................................................................... 11 Habitat assessments - RARC ............................................................................................................. 11 Habitat assessments - FRARC ............................................................................................................ 11 Fish surveys ......................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Peron's Tree Frog
    mallee frogs field guide Mallee CMA Region Mallee CMA RegionMCMA MCMA Wentworth REGION Wentworth REGION Mildura Mildura Merbein Merbein VICTORIA VICTORIA Irymple Irymple Cullulleraine Cullulleraine Red Cliffs Red Cliffs MCMA MCMA Wentworth REGION Wentworth REGION Mildura Mildura Merbein Merbein Robinvale VICTORIA Robinvale VICTORIA Irymple Irymple Cullulleraine Cullulleraine Red Cliffs Red Cliffs Robinvale Robinvale Ouyen Ouyen Manangatang Manangatang Underbool Underbool Nyah Nyah Murrayville Murrayville Ouyen Ouyen Lake Lake Tyrell Manangatang Tyrell Manangatang UnderboolSea Lake UnderbooSea Lakel Nyah Nyah Murrayville Murrayville Woomelang Woomelang Hopetoun Lake Hopetoun Lake Tyrell Tyrell Sea Lake Sea Lake Rainbow Rainbow Beulah Beulah Birchip Birchip Woomelang Woomelang Hopetoun Hopetoun Rainbow Rainbow Beulah Beulah Birchip Birchip Acknowledgements The Mallee Catchment Management Authority would like to acknowledge the support of the Mallee community who assisted in development Acknowledgementsof this field guide. The Mallee Catchment Management Authority would like to acknowledge the Photography support of the Mallee community who Photographs are acknowledgedassisted in development of this field guide. within the guide. Front Cover Photos Photography ISBN: 978-1-920777-20-3 Peter Robertson and Photographs are acknowledged Wildlife Profiles Pty Ltd.within the guide. © Mallee CMA 2009 This publication is not for Litoria ewingii Front Cover Photos sale, copies are availableISBN: 978-1-920777-20-3 (Southern Brown Tree Frog)Peter Robertson
    [Show full text]
  • Lowland Woodland Fauna
    ACT LOWLAND WOODLAND CONSERVATION STRATEGY 4 Lowland Woodland Fauna 4.1 woodland plants and are involved in nutrient recycling and maintenance of soil condition. Loss of species can Introduction alter ecosystem processes, which may adversely affect the health of the ecosystem. Some of the factors The crescent of temperate eucalypt woodland that now contributing to the decline of ecosystem health in stretched from southern Queensland to South Australia temperate eucalypt woodlands have been outlined in provided animals with a diversity of habitats. Woodland Chapter 2. The well-known phenomenon of rural tree fauna includes birds, bats, reptiles, amphibians, dieback is a notable example of an altered ecosystem ground dwelling and arboreal mammals, and process that has resulted in widespread impact at the invertebrates. The hollows developed in older tree landscape level. One of the possible explanations for trunks and branches, together with fallen wood, the increasing occurrence and severity of insect- provide essential shelter for many of these species. mediated dieback is a reduction in the abundance and Loose bark provides shelter for some of the efficacy of natural controls of damaging insects, in invertebrates that provide food and nesting material particular the decline in insectivorous birds and insect (e.g. spider web) for birds. Healthy, mature woodland parasitizers of pasture scarabs (Reid and Landsberg trees are an important source of nectar and their open 2000; Martin and Green 2002). The health of woodlands canopies allow the development of a species-rich is in large measure dependent on retention of woodland understorey of tussock grasses and forbs, which is fauna assemblages.
    [Show full text]