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Cooloola Tree Frog (Litoria cooloolensis)

The Cooloola Tree Frog, also known as the Cooloola sedgefrog, is a small wallum frog found in south east Queensland. It breeds in acidic, nutrient poor lakes and swamps, so clearing, earthworks, altered drainage and disturbance around wetland margins can affect it. It is listed as Near Threatened in Queensland and is protected wildlife. Tampering with its breeding place requires a species management program.

Conservation status

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Near threatened.

Breeding season

The Cooloola Tree Frog breeds in spring, summer and autumn, usually after rain. Activity varies between wetlands and years, and calling can stop during extended dry periods.

Breeding mode: Eggs are laid in clumps in water among reeds. Males call from reeds and emergent vegetation over or near the water.

Breeding season: Spring to autumn, usually after rain.

Clutch size: Eggs are laid in clumps, but the number of eggs per clutch is not recorded.

Incubation: Not recorded.

Larval development: Larval development may take 8 or more weeks.

Metamorphosis: Metamorphosis has been recorded in spring and summer.

Breeding places: Oligotrophic, acidic freshwater lakes and wallum swamps, especially reedy margins. Breeding lakes typically have a pH below 5.5.

Timing may shift between regions and years because breeding depends strongly on rainfall, and calling can cease when wetlands dry or dry conditions persist.

  • Breeding and calling activity: Adults may call most nights during spring to autumn, with calling usually strongest after rain.
  • Eggs and tadpoles in breeding wetlands: Egg clumps and developing tadpoles may be present during the breeding period, with larval development taking 8 or more weeks.
  • Metamorphosis and recently transformed frogs: Metamorphosis has been recorded in spring and summer, but the timing can vary with rainfall and water levels.
  • Adult presence around reeds and wetlands: Adults are usually found among reeds near water, and may also occur some distance away in rainforest and dry sclerophyll forest.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing, earthworks and access through wetland margins are most likely to harm eggs, tadpoles, metamorphs and calling adults during the rainy breeding period.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Cooloola Tree Frog is a small tree frog associated with reedy wallum wetlands. It can be difficult to identify in the field, particularly where other wallum frogs occur, so photographs, call recordings and experienced frog identification are useful.

Adults have a dark green, beige or yellow back. Dark spots or reticulations may be present. The skin can be smooth or rough above and granular below.

The belly is mostly white. The posterior thigh is mostly orange or orange red. A purple brown streak separates the dorsal colour from the orange thigh. The tympanum is conspicuous and may be green or brown.

Male size: 21 to 26 mm snout to vent length

Female size: Up to 29 to 30 mm snout to vent length

  • Fingers have vestigial webbing.
  • Toes are fully webbed.
  • Finger discs and toe pads are readily visible.
  • Breeding males have a yellow or orange yellow throat.

Identification: Calls and similar species

Males usually call from reeds and emergent vegetation over or beside water. They may call on most nights, with calling generally strongest after rain. Calling can stop during extended dry periods.

The species may occur with the Wallum Sedgefrog and other wallum frogs. It is rarely found sympatrically with the Common Sedgefrog, although competition with that species may occur in disturbed areas. Do not rely on habitat alone for identification.

Relevant similar species: Common Sedgefrog, Wallum Sedgefrog, Wallum Rocketfrog and Wallum Froglet

  • Use an experienced frog ecologist for call confirmation where practical.
  • Record calls and take clear photographs without handling frogs.
  • Treat a suspected record as significant until it has been confirmed.

Identification: Field signs

The most useful field signs are calling males, adult frogs in reeds, egg clumps in water and tadpoles. Eggs are laid in clumps among reeds.

Tadpoles are deep bodied, with moderately high fins and an angular snout. Their body and tail musculature are yellow brown with darker markings, and the tail fins have dark splotches and reticulations.

Maximum tadpole size: 45 mm

  • Do not expect reliable droppings, nests, whitewash, stains or odour as survey signs.
  • Avoid handling frogs, eggs and tadpoles.

Distribution: Queensland range

The Cooloola Tree Frog has a restricted Australian range in south east Queensland. It is not recorded in the research material from other Australian states or from overseas.

Known populations occur on Fraser Island, in the Cooloola region and on North Stradbroke Island. The species occurs around lakes and swamps in these areas and can be common at some sites.

On Fraser Island and in Cooloola, many sites occur within Great Sandy National Park. On North Stradbroke Island, many sites occur on leased or unallocated state land, as well as in National Park.

Mapped state: Queensland

Known regional distribution: South east Queensland

  • Fraser Island, within the Great Sandy sand mass.
  • Cooloola, including wetlands in Great Sandy National Park.
  • North Stradbroke Island.

Distribution: Site assessment

A project in or near coastal wallum wetlands should be assessed for the species even where frogs are not immediately visible. Suitable wetlands can be dry or quiet during periods of low rainfall.

Vegetation surrounding a wetland may be habitat critical to survival because it can maintain water quality and hydrology and allow movement between wetlands.

  • Map lakes, perched lakes, swamps, drainage paths and wet heath before clearing design is finalised.
  • Include wetland catchments and connecting vegetation in the site assessment.
  • Use Queensland targeted species survey guidance and obtain specialist advice where habitat is present.

Habitat: Wetland features

Look for the Cooloola Tree Frog in coastal wallum wetlands on low nutrient sandy soils. The best indicators are acidic freshwater, reedy margins, perched lakes and surrounding wetland vegetation that supports natural water movement.

Breeding lakes are oligotrophic, or nutrient deficient, and acidic, with a recorded pH below 5.5. The species also uses wallum swamps.

Perched lakes may form in depressions between sand dunes where a hard pan of organic debris, sand and peat holds rainwater. Reeds and water plants develop as the lake fills.

Typical water chemistry: Nutrient poor and acidic

Recorded breeding lake pH: Below 5.5

  • Acidic freshwater lakes with pH below 5.5.
  • Perched lakes and dune wetlands.
  • Wallum swamps and wet heath.
  • Reedy margins and emergent vegetation.

Habitat: Surrounding vegetation

Suitable wallum landscapes can include melaleuca woodland, sedgeland, rainforest, eucalypt forest and heath. Adults are usually found amongst reeds near water, but records also occur some distance from water in rainforest and dry sclerophyll forest.

Retain vegetation around wetlands and across catchments where possible. It can protect water quality, reduce sediment movement and provide movement pathways between populations.

  • Reed beds and sedgelands.
  • Wet heath and wallum vegetation.
  • Melaleuca woodland and adjacent forest.
  • Vegetated wetland catchments and connections between wetlands.

Habitat: Survey approach for works sites

Targeted surveys should combine active searches, listening for frogs and acoustic recording. Calling frogs are easier to detect within seven days of heavy rainfall over the warmer months.

Plan surveys around suitable rainfall and water conditions where the program allows. Dry swamps and low rainfall can reduce detection, so a quiet survey does not demonstrate absence.

  • Inspect reeds and emergent vegetation around wetland margins without trampling them.
  • Listen after rain and use acoustic recorders where access or visibility is limited.
  • Record the wetland condition, water level, pH where relevant, vegetation and nearby disturbance.
  • Have records checked by a suitably experienced frog ecologist.

Foraging habitat: Likely foraging areas

Specific diet information for the Cooloola Tree Frog is limited. For site planning, protect the wetland edge and nearby vegetation used by adult frogs, and avoid actions that reduce wetland condition or insect availability.

Adults are usually found among reeds near water. They may also move into nearby rainforest and dry sclerophyll forest, so the area used by frogs may extend beyond the visible waterline.

Do not restrict assessment to the open water. Inspect reed beds, sedgeland and connected vegetation around lakes and swamps.

  • Reeds and emergent vegetation.
  • Wetland margins and adjacent sedgeland.
  • Nearby rainforest and dry sclerophyll forest.
  • Vegetated movement routes between wetlands.

Foraging habitat: Practical site guidance

Avoid clearing or storing materials beside reedy wetland margins. Keep machinery, spoil, sediment and contaminated water away from the wetland and its drainage catchment.

The species is small and may be overlooked during daytime works. Use a fauna spotter catcher experienced with amphibians when frogs are detected or when works affect suitable habitat.

  • Inspect vegetation before clearing or slashing.
  • Stop and reassess if frogs, eggs or tadpoles are found.
  • Keep workers on formed access routes and prevent trampling of reeds.
  • Use clean boots and equipment to reduce the spread of pathogens and fungal spores.

Breeding habitat: Breeding places

The Cooloola Tree Frog breeds in acidic wallum lakes and swamps, usually after rain. Breeding places can be damaged by trampling, altered drainage, sediment, poor water quality and introduced fish.

Males usually call from reeds and emergent vegetation over or near water. Eggs are laid in clumps in water among reeds.

Reedy areas are breeding habitat, not just a narrow frog observation zone. Treat the wetland, its margins and the contributing catchment as sensitive during planning and works.

Breeding period: Spring, summer and autumn, usually after rain

Larval period: Eight or more weeks may be needed for development

  • Oligotrophic acidic freshwater lakes.
  • Perched lakes in coastal sand landscapes.
  • Wallum swamps with standing or shallow water.
  • Reed beds and emergent vegetation.

Breeding habitat: Breeding place protection

In Queensland, near threatened animals are protected wildlife. Tampering with the breeding place of protected wildlife requires a species management program.

Confirm approval, permit and management requirements before disturbing a wetland, reed bed or associated drainage area. Do not enter or alter a breeding place to rescue or relocate frogs unless this has been authorised and planned by the relevant specialists.

Queensland status: Near Threatened under the Nature Conservation Act 1992

Protection: Protected wildlife in Queensland

  • Avoid clearing, excavation and vehicle access through reeds.
  • Maintain natural wetland inflows and outflows where authorised plans require this.
  • Control sediment and runoff before earthworks begin.
  • Use a wet weather response plan for rainfall events during construction.

Breeding habitat: Eggs and tadpoles

Egg clumps and tadpoles may be difficult to see in dark, acidic water and dense reeds. Larval development can extend for eight or more weeks, so breeding habitat may remain sensitive well after calling has stopped.

If eggs or tadpoles are found, stop the activity affecting the water or reeds and obtain direction from the project ecologist and the relevant Queensland authority.

  • Do not handle or collect eggs or tadpoles without approval.
  • Prevent muddy water, concrete washout, fuel and other pollutants entering the wetland.
  • Do not introduce or move fish between wetlands.
  • Inspect equipment and footwear before entering another wetland.

Sheltering habitat: Shelter features

Adults are most often found in reeds near water, but they can occur away from wetlands in surrounding forest. Shelter locations and seasonal roosting patterns are not well defined, so retain connected vegetation and use careful searches during clearing.

Look for frogs in dense reeds, emergent plants and damp vegetation around lakes and swamps. Nearby rainforest and dry sclerophyll forest may also be used when frogs are away from water.

Small frogs can remain concealed during the day. Search gently and avoid pulling apart vegetation unnecessarily.

  • Dense reed beds.
  • Emergent wetland plants.
  • Damp vegetation around swamp margins.
  • Connected rainforest, heath and dry sclerophyll forest.

Sheltering habitat: Clearing and handling precautions

Before clearing, inspect wetland margins and nearby vegetation for frogs. Use staged clearing where feasible, with a trained fauna spotter catcher present when suitable habitat is affected.

Never handle frogs, eggs or tadpoles unless authorised procedures and an appropriately qualified person are in place. Clean boots, tools and machinery before moving between wetlands to reduce pathogen spread.

  • Keep workers and machinery out of reed beds.
  • Use track based access and clearly mark exclusion areas.
  • Check felled or disturbed vegetation promptly for small frogs.
  • Record all captures, observations and release locations in project records.

Threats: Clearing, trampling and construction access

The main works site risks are loss or degradation of wallum wetlands, damage to reed beds and changes to water quality or hydrology. Near Threatened status calls for early survey, impact avoidance and ongoing monitoring rather than relying on rescue during construction.

Trampling reed beds can destroy breeding habitat and accelerate erosion. Clearing or compacting vegetation around lakes and swamps can also reduce shelter and movement habitat.

Keep access routes, laydown areas and stockpiles away from wetlands and reed beds. Use marked exclusion areas and brief all workers before works start.

  • Avoid vehicle access through wetland margins.
  • Do not leave tracks, spoil or materials in reeds.
  • Use a spotter catcher for clearing near suitable habitat.
  • Inspect areas after storms and high rainfall for erosion or damage.

Threats: Water quality, sediment and hydrology

Ash, sediment and runoff can alter water quality, water chemistry and water movement. Wallum acid frogs may not tolerate these changes.

Design erosion and sediment controls for the full catchment, not only the immediate construction footprint. Prevent dirty water, chemicals and concrete washout from entering wetlands.

  • Maintain natural drainage and wetland water levels where possible.
  • Install and maintain sediment controls before soil disturbance.
  • Keep fuels, chemicals and washout areas away from drainage lines.
  • Monitor for turbid water, blocked flows and new erosion.

Threats: Fire, drought and vegetation change

The 2019 to 2020 bushfires affected more than 15 percent of suitable habitat in the Cooloola area. Drought can leave swamps dry and may reduce recovery after fire. More frequent or intense fire is an additional concern.

Plan rehabilitation and monitoring for wetlands affected by fire, drought or construction. Avoid unnecessary clearing of wet heath and surrounding wallum vegetation.

  • Retain unburnt vegetation where practicable.
  • Prevent new drainage or water extraction impacts.
  • Monitor wetland condition after fire and prolonged dry periods.
  • Include recovery observations in environmental reporting.

Threats: Predators, introduced fish and pathogens

Mosquito fish, Gambusia holbrooki, can prey on spawn and larvae. Numbers at Brown Lake on North Stradbroke Island declined dramatically after mosquito fish were introduced in 2002.

Feral pigs are monitored in the Cooloola area. People and equipment can also spread fungal spores and plant pathogens that harm frogs.

Recorded mosquito fish impact: Brown Lake numbers declined dramatically after Gambusia holbrooki was introduced in 2002

  • Never move fish, water, plants or wetland sediment between sites.
  • Clean boots, spades, tools and other equipment before entering frog habitat.
  • Do not handle frogs, eggs or tadpoles.
  • Report introduced fish, feral pig activity or suspected disease through the project environmental system.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Survey the Cooloola Tree Frog in and around acidic, nutrient-poor wallum lakes, perched lakes, swamps and reedy wetlands. Detection is strongest after heavy rain during the warmer months, but surveys should also reflect the proposed works period and local weather conditions.

Map all wetlands, swamps, perched lakes, drainage lines and low-lying sandy habitat within and adjoining the work area.

Check whether the site supports reeds, emergent vegetation, wet heath, wallum vegetation or forest that could provide movement and shelter habitat.

Review water chemistry, wetland hydrology, fire history, drought conditions, previous records and the presence of mosquito fish or other introduced fish.

Treat vegetation within wetland catchments as potential habitat where it may maintain water quality, water levels or movement between wetlands.

Survey methodology: 2. Night call and acoustic surveys

Survey after dark when males are calling. Prioritise nights after heavy rainfall during the warmer months, when calls are typically easier to detect within 7 days of rain.

Listen from the wetland edge and around reed beds. Avoid entering sensitive reeds unless access is necessary and can be managed without trampling.

Use acoustic recorders where access is difficult, where repeated monitoring is needed, or where background noise limits listening surveys.

Do not rely on a single dry-weather visit. Calling may stop during extended dry periods, and some swamps may be dry.

  • Record the date, start and finish time, rainfall, temperature if measured, wind, cloud, moon conditions, background noise and surveyor names.
  • Record all calls, including approximate locations, call strength, numbers heard where these can be estimated, and any uncertainty in identification.

Survey methodology: 3. Active searches and habitat inspection

Search carefully among reeds and emergent vegetation near water during suitable night surveys. Inspect the wetland margin and nearby damp vegetation without crushing reeds or disturbing egg clumps.

Use a torch with care and limit handling of vegetation. Do not handle frogs, eggs or tadpoles unless authorised under the relevant animal welfare and permit arrangements.

Inspect nearby rainforest, dry sclerophyll forest and other vegetation that may be used when frogs are away from water.

Use experienced observers familiar with the Cooloola Tree Frog and other wallum frogs, including the wallum sedgefrog and common sedgefrog.

  • Record adults, juveniles, tadpoles, egg clumps, calls, shed skin and other observations separately.
  • Photograph animals and habitat where this can be done without capture or disturbance.

Survey methodology: 4. Survey records and interpretation

Map each detection and each potential breeding place. Record whether the site is occupied, apparently suitable but undetected, dry, recently disturbed or affected by fish, fire, sediment or trampling.

Record water pH where this can be measured safely and lawfully. Breeding lakes are typically acidic, with a pH below 5.5.

Document the condition of reeds, surrounding vegetation, wetland connections, access tracks and likely construction impacts.

Use the Queensland targeted species survey guideline and current project approval conditions to set the final survey design and effort.

  • Retain call recordings, photographs, field sheets, weather data, equipment settings and spatial data with the project records.
  • Report negative results with the survey conditions and limitations. A negative result during dry conditions does not demonstrate absence.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Confirm approvals and responsibilities

Plan the project around wetland protection and water quality. Avoid breeding places first, then reduce indirect impacts to catchments, movement habitat and surrounding vegetation.

Check the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 requirements before work starts. The Cooloola Tree Frog is Near Threatened in Queensland and is protected wildlife.

Obtain any required Queensland permits for survey, capture, handling, relocation or other interaction with the species.

Seek advice on a Queensland species management program before tampering with a breeding place. Do not assume that a general fauna permit covers disturbance to a breeding place.

Screen the action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Make an EPBC referral where the project may have a significant impact on a nationally listed matter.

  • Nominate the fauna spotter catcher, project ecologist, site supervisor and approval holder in the environmental management plan.
  • Keep permit conditions, approval documents, maps and stop-work procedures available on site.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Set the avoidance area

Avoid direct clearing of acidic lakes, swamps, perched lakes, reed beds and emergent vegetation.

Retain wetland catchments and adjoining vegetation where they support water quality, wetland hydrology, movement or gene flow.

Set site-specific no-go areas and buffers with the project ecologist and approval conditions. Do not use an unapproved generic buffer where the work could alter drainage, sediment movement, water chemistry or access to a wetland.

Prevent changes to water levels, drainage paths and the quality of water entering the wetland.

  • Fence exclusion areas before machinery arrives.
  • Use durable signs that identify the wetland, reed bed and catchment protection requirements.
  • Keep plant, spoil, concrete washout, fuels and sediment controls outside exclusion areas.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Complete the pre-clearance check

Repeat a pre-clearance survey close to the start of works, with the timing set by the project ecologist and approval conditions.

Give priority to nights after rain during the warmer months. Check reeds, wetland margins and nearby vegetation for adults, tadpoles and egg clumps.

Inspect the full disturbance footprint and access routes. Include areas that may be affected by dewatering, trenching, dust, sediment or altered drainage.

If frogs or breeding activity are detected, revise the work method before disturbance begins.

  • Mark all detections and active breeding places on the site plan.
  • Do not clear a breeding place until the required approval, management program and qualified personnel are in place.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Induct the work crew

Explain the species, its habitat, the exclusion areas and the stop-work process before each crew begins work.

Tell workers never to handle frogs, eggs or tadpoles. Handling must be limited to authorised, suitably trained personnel.

Require clean boots, tools and equipment before entering wetland areas to reduce the spread of pathogens and fungal spores.

Prohibit trampling of reeds, unauthorised access to lake margins, release of water into wetlands and introduction of fish.

  • Include photographs or call examples in the induction where available.
  • Make the fauna spotter catcher's authority to stop work clear to every supervisor and operator.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Clear in stages

Use a staged and supervised work sequence. Stop immediately when a frog, egg clump, tadpole group or active breeding place is found in an area that may be affected.

Complete exclusion fencing and pre-clearance checks before machinery enters the work area.

Clear from the least sensitive edge towards retained habitat, using slow, controlled movements and continuous fauna supervision where required by the approval.

Keep machinery, workers and spoil away from reed beds, wetland margins and water entry points.

Do not pump, drain, fill or divert water without approval and a method reviewed by the project ecologist.

  • Maintain a clear escape route towards retained suitable habitat where this is safe and approved.
  • Stop work during heavy rain or changing site conditions if sediment, runoff or wetland damage cannot be controlled.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Apply stop-work authority

The fauna spotter catcher must have authority to stop work without waiting for further approval when an animal or breeding place may be at risk.

Stop work and establish a quiet exclusion area around any Cooloola Tree Frog, egg clump, tadpole group or active breeding place.

Notify the site supervisor and project ecologist. Confirm whether the animal can remain in place or whether an authorised rescue or relocation is required.

Do not resume until the risk has been assessed and the approval holder or relevant regulator has been consulted where required.

  • Record the location, condition of the habitat, activity taking place and immediate controls.
  • Expand the exclusion area if vibration, noise, lighting, sediment or machinery movement continues to affect the site.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Handle animals lawfully and safely

Only authorised and trained personnel may capture, examine, transport or relocate a frog, tadpole or egg mass.

Use clean, suitable equipment and follow the permit, animal welfare and disease-control requirements. Avoid contact with bare hands and prevent transfer of pathogens between wetlands.

Do not move animals to another wetland unless the relocation is specifically authorised and directed by the project ecologist or approval holder.

Keep handling time and exposure to heat, drying and bright light as low as practicable.

  • Do not place animals in artificial nest boxes, bat boxes or other structures. These are not suitable replacement breeding places for this frog.
  • Release or hold animals only as directed by the approved procedure.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Respond to breeding places and injuries

Treat egg clumps, tadpoles and occupied reed beds as active breeding places until assessed by the project ecologist.

Do not disturb, drain, fill or relocate an active breeding place without the required Queensland authority and management program.

For an injured frog, protect it from further harm, minimise handling and contact the project ecologist or approved wildlife carer or veterinarian immediately.

If a dead or diseased frog is found, isolate the area, avoid handling and follow the project's biosecurity and reporting procedure.

  • Record the animal's condition, photographs, exact location, time, likely cause and action taken.
  • Do not release an injured animal back to the site unless directed by the treating professional or approved wildlife authority.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Complete post-clearance checks

Check the work area and retained wetland after each clearance stage. Follow up any detection, injury, breeding place disturbance, water-quality event or failure of an exclusion control.

Inspect the cleared footprint, access routes, exclusion fencing and wetland margins after each stage of work.

Check for stranded, trapped, injured or dead frogs, damaged reeds, exposed egg clumps, tadpole mortality, sediment entry and changed water flow.

Use night listening and targeted searches after rain where the project approval or risk assessment requires confirmation that animals remain safe.

Remove or repair hazards such as open trenches, pits, uncapped pipes, ponding caused by construction or damaged fencing.

  • Keep checks separate from general construction inspections so fauna observations are not missed.
  • Record no-detection checks as well as detections.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Report results and incidents

Submit records required by the approval, permit, Queensland management program and project environmental management plan.

Report any unauthorised disturbance, injury, death, breeding-place impact, fish introduction, sediment discharge or failure of exclusion controls to the site supervisor and approval holder immediately.

Notify the relevant regulator where required by the approval or permit conditions.

Maintain a register of detections, handling events, relocations, injuries, mortalities, complaints and corrective actions.

  • Include maps, photographs, call recordings, weather, water observations, personnel, equipment and timing in the final fauna report.
  • State the survey limitations and whether wet conditions were suitable for detection.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Monitor relocated animals and habitat

Where relocation has been authorised, monitor the release site and source site as required by the approved procedure.

Check that the release area retains suitable reeds, shallow water, acidic water conditions and shelter from construction activity.

Do not return to a site solely to search for animals if doing so would trample reeds or damage the wetland.

Escalate unusual mortality, repeated calling absence, drying, fish presence or visible water-quality change to the project ecologist.

  • Use the same location references and recording methods across monitoring visits.
  • Compare results with pre-clearance observations and reference sites where the monitoring plan requires it.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Review and improve controls

Hold an incident review after any stop-work event, injury, mortality, breeding-place impact or water-quality failure.

Identify whether the cause was planning, induction, fencing, supervision, equipment, weather, access or contractor behaviour.

Update the work method, exclusion maps, induction and monitoring plan before the next stage.

Retain lessons for future works in wallum wetlands and other acidic coastal frog habitat.

  • Close out corrective actions with a named person and due date.
  • Do not remove exclusion fencing or monitoring controls until the approval holder or project ecologist confirms that it is safe.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore wetland function

Rehabilitation should restore the wetland system, not just replace cleared plants. Protect acidic water, wetland hydrology, reeds and surrounding sandy vegetation over the long term.

Reinstate natural drainage patterns, shallow wetland margins and water retention features where construction has altered them.

Prevent sediment, ash, nutrients, hydrocarbons, concrete washout and other contaminants from entering lakes and swamps.

Use locally appropriate wallum species and restore reed and emergent vegetation around breeding areas.

Do not deepen, fertilise or artificially enrich oligotrophic wetlands.

  • Use clean soil, mulch and plant material from approved sources.
  • Keep rehabilitation machinery out of wetland exclusion areas where practicable.
  • Inspect after rainfall for erosion, scour, sediment plumes and altered water movement.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Protect water quality and disease control

Maintain acidic, low-nutrient water conditions suitable for the species. Breeding lakes are typically below pH 5.5.

Clean boots, vehicles, tools and construction equipment before moving between wetlands.

Control weeds without contaminating water or trampling reeds. Use chemical treatments near water only when approved and applied by authorised personnel.

Prevent mosquito fish and other introduced fish from entering wetlands. Never release fish, tadpoles or aquatic plants.

  • Monitor pH, water clarity, sediment and water levels where these are identified as project risks.
  • Use stable access points and designated paths to prevent repeated trampling of reed beds.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Avoid unsuitable replacement structures

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nest sites or roost structures for this species. The Cooloola Tree Frog breeds in water among reeds, not in a cavity or roost structure.

Replace lost breeding function by restoring suitable acidic wetland habitat, reeds, emergent vegetation and surrounding catchment protection.

Do not create new ponds without ecological design and approval. A pond with unsuitable chemistry, fish or altered hydrology may increase risk rather than provide habitat.

  • Have the project ecologist review any proposed artificial wetland before construction.
  • Use existing suitable wetlands as the reference for water depth, vegetation and water-quality targets where local information is available.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Manage fire, weeds and surrounding habitat

Control weeds before they dominate reed beds, wet heath or wetland margins. Use methods that protect frogs, tadpoles and water quality.

Manage fire and fuel treatments with regard to wetland catchments, refuge vegetation and post-fire erosion. Avoid directing ash and sediment into wetlands.

Retain rainforest, dry sclerophyll forest and other vegetation that may provide shelter or movement habitat away from water.

Control feral pigs where they damage wetlands, disturb vegetation or increase erosion, in accordance with the land manager's program.

  • Inspect rehabilitation after fire, drought and major rainfall.
  • Repair erosion promptly and keep sediment controls in place until vegetation is established.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Monitor recovery

Set a monitoring program that covers wetland condition, reeds, water quality, hydrology and frog detections.

Repeat night call surveys and acoustic monitoring under suitable wet conditions, particularly after heavy rain during the warmer months.

Compare rehabilitated areas with pre-disturbance observations and nearby retained habitat.

Continue monitoring long enough to detect loss of breeding function, delayed fire or drought effects and changes in introduced fish presence.

  • Record adult calls, adults, tadpoles and egg clumps separately.
  • Review monitoring results with the project ecologist and land manager, and adapt weed, erosion, water-quality or access controls when recovery is poor.

Sources