Summary
The Alpine Tree Frog (Litoria verreauxii alpina) is listed as Critically Endangered under both the EPBC Act and Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act. Once widespread across the alpine and subalpine wetlands of south-eastern Australia, the species has declined dramatically due to chytrid fungus, habitat degradation, and climate change. Urgent action is needed to prevent extinction.
This project will safeguard the Alpine Tree Frog by mapping its current distribution, collecting genetic samples, and building a community-led monitoring network. By combining citizen science, Traditional Owner knowledge, and advanced genetic analysis, the project lays the foundation for recovery, including genetic rescue and chytrid-safe breeding trials.
Project Strategy
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Conduct surveys across alpine wetlands to identify remnant populations and assess habitat condition.
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Collect genetic samples to assess diversity and inform future rescue options.
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Train community volunteers and Landcare members in frog identification, acoustic monitoring, and survey techniques.
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Partner with Traditional Owners to co-design protocols that integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
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Collaborate with Parks Victoria, universities, and Wild Research to strengthen genetic and ecological analysis.
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Build long-term stewardship through community feedback events and citizen science networks.
Key Achievements (expected)
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First coordinated mapping of remnant Alpine Tree Frog populations across priority Victorian sites.
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Collection of genetic samples to inform future genetic rescue and a Species Action Statement.
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Establishment of a skilled citizen science network monitoring alpine wetlands.
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Strong Traditional Owner involvement in survey design, delivery, and cultural knowledge integration.
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Development of long-term monitoring protocols to guide wetland restoration and chytrid-safe breeding trials.
Partners
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Wild Researchch
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Parks Victoria (land access, logistics)
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University of Melbourne (genetic sequencing and analysis)
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Taungurung Land and Waters Council (survey design, TEK integration)
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Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (survey design, TEK integration)
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Local Landcare and Field Naturalist Groups (citizen science and monitoring)
Conservation Status
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Alpine Tree Frog (Litoria verreauxii alpina) – Critically Endangered (EPBC Act, FFG Act)
Costs (Funds Spent & Still Required)
Stage 1- $20,000, surveys and genetic sampling
Stage 2- $50,000, bioinformatics and genetic rescue planning
Stage 3 - $250,000, chytrid-safe breeding sites, and long-term monitoring.
