Clive the Corroboree Frog

to wander from cache to cache across the globe spreading the plight of the critically endangered Australian Corroboree Frog.

The rapid decline of the Corroboree Frogs over the past three decades is the result of a disease known as chytridiomycosis, which is caused by infection with the amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis). A highly virulent strain of the amphibian chytrid fungus appears to have spread throughout the world over the past few decades, and has caused major declines and extinctions on every continent where amphibians occur. At this stage we are unsure where this pathogen originated.

In the Alps, the common Eastern Froglet (Crinia signifera) is a host for the fungus, and doesn’t appear to be susceptible to the disease. Common Eastern Froglet populations have remained high across the Australian Alps and they occur at all known Southern Corroboree frog sites, and the majority of Northern Corroboree Frog sites.

Corroboree Frogs are currently found in only a few places in the wild.  The biggest populations are in protected field enclosures. The distribution of both species has significantly contracted from these historical known ranges, with both species now only found in a small number of locations.There are two Species – The Southern Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne corroboree) and the Northern Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne pengilleyi). Differences include colour, patterns, home range and skin biochemistry. they eat small invertebrates, particularly small black ants and are quite small, just 2.5 – 3 cm in body length.  They live in small seasonal wetlands and surrounding vegetation in the Australian Alps above 750 metres. Don't touch as they secrete a poisonous alkaloid from its skin which is toxic to predators its bright colours warn it is poisonous. 

For more information on Corroboree Frogs and what you can do to help go to www.corroboreefrog.org.au