Summary
The Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea) was once common along coastal New South Wales but is now listed as Endangered under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act. Populations have declined dramatically due to habitat loss, predation by invasive Gambusia fish, and disease caused by chytrid fungus. Despite these pressures, the species remains highly mobile and resilient if threats can be managed.
The Threatened Species Conservancy, in partnership with universities and government, has contributed to the Saving Our Species program to monitor and conserve this species. Over six years, 299 wetland sites across seven management zones were surveyed to better understand population dynamics, breeding success, and key threats.
Project Strategy
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Conduct long-term monitoring across priority management zones using dynamic occupancy modelling.
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Survey both adult frogs and breeding stages (tadpoles and metamorphs) to track recruitment.
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Identify factors that influence occupancy, persistence, and colonisation at wetland sites.
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Provide science-based recommendations for habitat restoration, fish management, and disease mitigation.
Key Achievements
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Completed six years of systematic monitoring at up to 299 wetland sites across NSW.
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Demonstrated that approximately 65% of wetlands remain occupied, with highest occupancy at Crescent Head, Broughton Island, and Kooragang Island.
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Identified Gambusia as the strongest negative driver of persistence and breeding success.
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Confirmed the importance of wetland connectivity, native vegetation cover, and aquatic vegetation for occupancy and recruitment.
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Informed targeted conservation actions such as creating fish-free ephemeral wetlands and manipulating salinity to reduce chytrid impacts.
Partners
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Wild Research
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The University of Melbourne
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NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (Saving Our Species program)
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NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney Olympic Park Authority, and collaborating universities
Conservation Status
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Green and Golden Bell Frog – Endangered (NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016)
Costs (Funds Spent & Still Required)
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Stage 1 – Completed: Six years of monitoring and analysis funded through the NSW Saving Our Species program.
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Stage 2 – Further investment required to continue long-term monitoring, expand Gambusia control, implement chytrid mitigation, and restore connected wetland mosaics.
