The distribution, abundance and conservation status of riverine frogs in Kosciuszko National Park

Abstract

A survey was conducted of the distribution and abundance of stream-breeding frogs within Kosciuszko National Park, with particular emphasis upon locating new populations of the endangered Spotted Tree Frog Litoria spenceri. Twenty-five streams were sampled within the Park. Populations of L. spenceri ware located on two streams, including one new locality for the species. This constiiutes only the second population of this species known from New South Wales. Three other riverine species ware located during the survey. The endangered Booroolong Frog L. boorooiongensis was located only along one stream and could not be found at the two historic sites within the Park. The overall abundance of riverine frogs was found to be relatively low. Frogs were found at significantly fewer sites affected by modified stream flows from the Snowy Mountains Scheme, than comparatively undisturbed sites. The potential impacts of these changes and introduced fish upon the distribution and abundance of riverine frogs within the ...