Green and Golden Bell Frogs- population boost

Shoalhaven city is witnessing a once in a generation happening – the incredible breeding event of the threatened Green and Golden Bell Frog.


These endangered frogs are loving the timing of Xmas and Easter rains which has resulted in perfect breeding conditions.
The tadpoles have now grown to froglets and  have dispersed in large numbers around the edges of the Shoalhaven floodplain looking for food and habitat.

The Green and Golden Bell frogs are now looking for a cosy spot to spend the winter hibernateing.

This mass breeding event suggests that water quality is good and there is suitable habitat for the species to breed, feed and move to areas that havent before supported a population- a good news story for East Nowra.

Green and Golden Bell Frogs may grow to 10 centimetres, but most of the frogs around at the moment are first year juveniles about 2cm long. Individual frogs vary in colour from bright green to patchy golden/green to almost dark brown. A creamish white stripe extends from behind the eye almost to the groin.

Green and Golden Bell Frog are listed in NSW and nationally as a threatened species and protected by Federal legislation. There is concern about their future because overall numbers are continuing to decline, mostly due to:

• a debilitating fungus that attacks the frog’s skin and is transmitted by human touch

• the destruction and drainage of wetlands

• predation by the introduced mosquito fish

• inappropriate pesticide application

• and feral animals.

The Bell frog is an unusual frog in that it is active during the day.

Fines for harming a threatened species are severe. If a person is convicted of a threatened species offence they face criminal penalties of up to $220,000 and / or two years in prison under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. If the case involves harming or picking threatened species, endangered populations or endangered ecological communities additional penalties of up to $11,000 apply to each species that was harmed.

On-the-spot penalty notice fines can be issued for harming or killing a threatened species. These are generally used as a way to penalise breaches which are not serious enough to warrant prosecution in court. The penalty notice fine amounts are $1500 for an individual, $3000 for a corporation who cause harm to an endangered species such as this frog.

What can you do to help the Green and Golden Bell Frogs?

• Enjoy the frogs around your home and be aware of their presence so you do not accidentally harm them. They will not harm you.

• Do not handle the frogs unless absolutely necessary and if so handle gently. If you need to move a frog, wear disposable gloves

• Avoid mowing on wetter days or times when frogs are moving over grass; and


• Encourage your children to observe and appreciate wildlife.

Visit the internet site http://threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/index.aspx for further information about Green and Golden Bell Frogs.

Picture from the animal pictures archive available at www.animalpicturesarchive.com/