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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 Proudly printed on 100% recycled paper 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