Western Green Tree Frog - Litoria
moorei
Introduction
An endemic to WA, this much loved frog is found only in the far south-west
of the state. It ranges from the lower Murchison River in the north, down
through Perth and the Swan Coastal Plain, to Pallinup River in the southwest
(Tyler et al., 1994). It is an attractive frog and is large and
robust, with a triangular-shaped head. It is usually coloured a dark lime-green,
interspersed with pale to dark brown patches There is also a colour
morph which may be much more brown, with very little green (personal observation).
This species is easily classified as a tree frog, by its prominent toe
discs. The call is a very distinct low growl, sounding uncannily like a
motorbike, thus giving rise to the frog's other common name, the motorbike
frog.
- Litoria moorei,
Perth, WA.
- (Copyright R.Davis 2001)
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- More Pictures
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Breeding and Feeding
This frog species spends much of its time in damp places such as swamps and watercourses.
In Perth, it is generally resident around suburban lakes, in flooded melaleucas,
lawns and in areas of dense reed cover. It is also the most common frog found
in backyard ponds. It forages nocturnally, primarily eating flying insects and
occasionally, ground dwelling ants and beetles. Breeding occurs in summer, after
rain. Males spend many nights calling to attract a mate. When a suitable mate
is found, breeding occurs and eggs are laid in the form of a floating mass, attached
to vegetation.
Threats
Perth's much loved tree frog is unfortunately succumbing to the many threats
imposed by humanity. Because this species is resident in and around Perth,
it is particularly at risk from the actions of humans. Much of the former
range of this species, along the Swan and Canning Rivers, has been cleared
as a result of development. Large areas of the catchment have disappeared
and the suburban wetlands which the frogs inhabited, have largely succumbed
to degradation, weed invasion, pollution and infilling for housing. As
such, there are few areas of suitable natural habitat left for this species
around Perth and unfortunately, the unique call of this frog is heard much
less often than it used to be. Additional threats also include pollution
of rivers and wetlands, predation by feral animals and pesticides.
There have been a number of reported incidents of mass deaths of this species
after council spraying of Roundup weedicide along parts of the Swan and
Canning Rivers. These chemicals can drift long distances, and enter waterways.
This can be devastating for amphibians, and can result in deformed frogs
and mass mortality of tadpoles and adults. This can often lead to large
population declines. In addition to threats from chemicals, this species
is also the most likely candidate of concern in the current debate about
amphibian
declines.
References
Bush, B., Maryan, B., Browne-Cooper, R. and Robinson, D. (1995) Reptiles
and Frogs of The Perth Region. University of Western Australia Press.
Perth, WA.
Tyler, M.J., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E. (1994) Frogs of Western
Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.
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Created: 8/11/98.
Updated: 12/12/01.