Author: Anne Ibbotson
Image: Anne during a survey night in the Watagan Mountains
I have been incredibly fortunate to be a part of an amazing project where we are putting research into practice to help create habitat for the endangered Littlejohn’s tree frog.
This gorgeous tree frog with its bronze speckled body and bright orange thighs is isolated to only three remaining populations - the Watagans, Woronora plateau and the Blue Mountains. With the Blue Mountains population badly affected by the 2019/2020 megafires, the Woronora plateau population under threat from longwall mining, safeguarding the Watagans population is critical for the survival of the species.
Image: Littlejohn's tree frog
As part of my industry engaged PhD pathway I have been doing an internship with Forestry NSW, which is funding and undertaking the habitat creation project. We have a wonderful team of people working on this project from both Forestry NSW and the Conservation Science Research Group at The University of Newcastle. We are passionate about using research findings to make evidence-based decisions so that we are creating not only habitat, but the right type of habitat for the species.
To give this species the best chance at survival Forestry NSW are creating a series of ponds to act as stepping stones to help connect genetically isolated populations of frogs across the Watagans. This should help combat the high levels of inbreeding that Nadine Nolan, a Conservation Science Research Group member, uncovered in her PhD research. Inbreeding in frogs, like in other animals can impact health and survival.
The ponds will be placed a few hundred metres apart and close by to existing ponds inhabited by the species. They will provide additional breeding habitat and create moist refuges to help the movement of frogs across the landscape. These ponds will help connect previously isolated populations and ultimately improve the genetics and health of this critical Watagan population.
Images: Construction of ponds as a refuge for the species
We are now most of the way through the pond construction and they are looking amazing! With thoughtful excavation vegetation has been retained to minimise disturbance and provide habitat. The ponds have also been lined to ensure they retain water, which is especially important as the Littlejohn’s tree frog has a long 6 to 12 month tadpole stage.
There are still lots of plants to put in the ground, and we’re creating information boards and signs to help engage the community and promote awareness. A lovely surprise was finding Littlejohn’s tadpoles in water pooling on a 4WD track we plan to close to create the ponds.
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