Wallum froglet
This table has 3 columns about scientific name, Queensland conservation status and local species status.
Scientific name |
Crinia tinnula |
Queensland conservation status |
Vulnerable |
Local species status |
Priority species for conservation |
What does it look like?
The wallum froglet is a small, terrestrial frog. It only measures up to 22 millimetres in length. The colouration and patterning are highly variable, ranging from light or dark grey to brown (sometimes with darker stripes). It has a whitish underbody and a white line down the middle of the throat, sometimes extending to belly. The species has no webbing on their feet and toe pads are absent.
Where does it live?
The wallum froglet is found in lowland coastal areas of subtropical eastern Australia from Littabella National Park, South East Queensland, south to Kurnell, central New South Wales. It is also found on the sand islands off the Queensland coast, including Fraser (K’gari), Bribie, Moreton and North Stradbroke (Minjerribah).
On the Gold Coast, populations were previously confirmed in the Arundel, Parkwood, Molendinar, and Southport area. Unconfirmed records include low lying areas in Yatala, Jacobs Well and Mudgeeraba. The continued presence of the species on the Gold Coast is uncertain – there have been no recent records despite considerable survey effort in areas of known occurrence.
Ecology & habitat
The wallum froglet lives in acidic wetlands (pH 4.3 – 5.2) within freshwater coastal environments such as Melaleuca swamps, sedgeland, wet or dry heathland and woodland areas. It is also found in disturbed habitat, such as quarry sites, 4WD-impacted areas and roadsides. Breeding has been recorded in all seasons following rain and flooding of habitat forming shallow pools and soaks.
Males call from secluded positions at the base of sedges near water or afloat on matted sedge clumps. During the day individuals shelter under leaf litter or down crayfish burrows, which can be a considerable distance from the nearest waterbody. Small eggs are laid singly or in clumps attached to submerged vegetation. Tadpoles are bottom-dwelling and may take as little as seven weeks to develop into juvenile frogs.
How is its survival threatened?
- Habitat loss and fragmentation from agricultural and urban development
- Habitat alteration and degradation (for example, increased surface water pH, high nutrient and sediment loads and changes to wetland hydrology)
- Individuals and habitat can be harmed or destroyed by fire
- Predation by the introduced mosquito fish
- Competition with other frog species, particularly at the larval stage
- Infection by amphibian chytrid fungus
- Water transported toxicants (for example, mosquito control) that also reduce food availability
How can we help?
- Improve knowledge of the species’ distribution, population status and important habitat areas across the city
- Protect existing populations and remaining habitat areas from clearing and other high impact activities
- Restore and/or expand habitat areas for existing populations
Image credit: Todd Burrows