Booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis) - endangered species listing

The Scientific Committee, established under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, has made a Final Determination to list Litoria booroolongensis, (Moore, 1961), Booroolong Frog as an ENDANGERED SPECIES in Part 1 of Schedule 1 of that Act. Listing of endangered species is provided for by Division 2 of Part 2 of the Act.

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. The Booroolong Frog is an amphibious frog known only from the tablelands and slopes of New South Wales. It typically inhabits rocky western-flowing creeks and their headwaters, although a small number of animals have also been recorded in eastern-flowing streams.

2. It is a seasonal breeder which is found on or under rocks and debris of suitable streams. Although nocturnal, this species can also be found on rocks in or near the water during daylight hours.

3. Surveys of western-flowing streams from the Northern Tablelands conducted over the past 15 years have failed to locate these frogs in all but one locality, although historical records indicate they were once widespread. It is suspected that the species is regionally extinct in all but the south of this area.

4. Previously known populations within the Blue Mountains are no longer able to be located.

5. In the south of its range, it is suspected that tadpoles of the Booroolong Frog are vulnerable to predation by both the Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. These exotic predatory fish are known to prey on the tadpoles of at least four other riverine Litoria species, despite their being unpalatable to native predatory fish. The introduction of these trout species is a threat to this species.

In view of 3, 4 & 5 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Booroolong Frog Litoria booroolongensis is likely to become extinct in nature in NSW unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival cease to operate.

Gazetted: 13/3/1998