Some problems in the management of the Green and Golden Bell FrogLitoria aurea(Anura: Hylidae) at Coomonderry Swamp on the South Coast of New South Wales

Abstract

Coomonderry Swamp, the largest freshwater coastal wetland in New South Wales, lies 15 km north east of Nowra. The wetland and its catchment are utilized for a number of purposes including dairy farming, beef cattle production, turf farming, plant nurseries and a national park. Coomonderry Swamp provides habitat for several species of fauna currently recognized as endangered in New South Wales including the Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea). There have been several attempts to drain the wetland in order to convert the area to other land uses including dairying, a golf course and housing. Currently there is a proposal to rezone part of the wetland's catchment from rural to rural residential. All such proposals would compromise to some extent the habitat value of this significant wetland. If regional biodiversity is to be maintained planning authorities, need to adopt local environmental planning instruments that protect habitats identified as significant for rare and endangered species such as L. a...