Download Green and Golden Bell Frog finds a home at Port Kembla

Green and Golden Bell Frog finds a home
at Port Kembla
Port Kembla is one of a few remaining areas in NSW
inhabited by the endangered Green and Golden Bell
Frog (scientific name Litoria aurea).
The Green and Golden Bell Frog (GGBF) was once
one of the most common frog species on Australia’s
south-eastern coast. More recently however,
populations have seriously declined as a result of
various factors such as habitat loss and introduced
predators. It is listed as endangered under the New
South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act
and is classified nationally as being vulnerable.
Port Kembla Port Corporation has worked with the
Department of Environment and Climate Change to
undertake a survey of the local frog population.
The Green and Golden Bell Frog used to be
commonly found at various local sites including
Coomaditchie Lagoon, Boilers Point and around the
MM area. The findings of the recent survey indicate
that, like other sites in NSW, frog numbers in Port
Kembla also appear to be in decline.
The greatest numbers of frogs found were at a series
of purpose-built breeding ponds in the Brick and
Block site on Foreshore Road, followed by a pond
within the Cleary Bros Landfill on Five Islands Rd. The
Green and Golden Bell Frog generally occurs in large,
permanent, open-water swamps or ponds that have
a variable water level and dense vegetation.
Green & Golden Bell Frog Tadpole
Reminder:
Green and Golden Bell Frogs are an endangered
species, it is an offence to handle or harm them
and penalties apply.
If a frog is sighted in an operational area of the
port, do not touch it, report it to Department of
Environment, Climate Change and Water.
(phone 131 555) or you can visit their website
at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/surveys/
bellfrogonlineform.htm
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PKPC has worked cooperatively with DECC and other
local landholders and created a frog pond located at
Foreshore Road, Port Kembla to provide additional
breeding habitat and movement corridors for the
frogs.
Port Kembla Port Corporation
Maritime Centre
91 Foreshore Road
Port Kembla NSW 2505
Ph: 02 4275 0100
E: [email protected]
www.portkembla.com.au
green and golden bell frog
Green & Golden Bell Frogs love Port Kembla
Remarkably the green and golden bell frog has a
tendency to persist in disturbed environments, such
as here in Port Kembla, which is now home to the
largest population of this frog in the Illawarra.
To help save this species from further decline,
government, local industries and the local community
are working together to create specially designed
green and golden bell frog breeding sanctuaries,
including the one in Port Kembla Heritage Park.
When can you see a Green & Golden Bell Frog?
During the warmer spring and summer months,
you may see green and golden bell frogs breeding
here, basking on vegetation or you may hear their
distinctive growling “grrrrrrrrk, grrrrk, grrk, grk,” call.
Interesting facts about Green and
Golden Bell Frogs
Why are Green and Golden Bell Frogs
disappearing?
• Unlike most frogs Green & Golden
Several threats have caused this frog to disappear
including;
• changes to and loss of habitat
• a fungal disease and
• predation by introduced animals such as plague
minnow, carp, cats and foxes.
Life cycle of the Green & Golden Bell Frog
Bell Frogs (GGBF) are active during
the day and actually bask in the sun.
• GGBF like disturbed sites such as old
quarries, brick pits and construction
sites. Frogs have been found in Port
Kembla living in the concrete bunds
next to acid tanks and huddled under
equipment in industrial storage
yards.
• GGBF will successfully breed in any
area of still or slow moving water
that lasts for 6-8 weeks – even if it’s
just a puddle!
• GGBF colours vary from dark brown,
through various combinations of
green and gold to almost completely
green.
• The distinguishing features of GGBF
are the creamy white stripes which
runs from behind the ear to the hip
and the electric blue colour on their
inner thighs.
WWII Anti-tank blocks, Heritage Park Port Kembla
PKPC’s Sustainability Officer Trevor Brown at the frog pond