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Green-thighed Frog (Litoria brevipalmata)

The Green-thighed Frog is a small, ground-dwelling frog of coastal forests and temporary wetlands in New South Wales and Queensland. It can be difficult to detect outside brief breeding events, so clearing near temporary pools, flooded areas and adjoining native vegetation needs careful planning. It is Vulnerable in New South Wales and is protected wildlife in Queensland, where interference with its breeding place may require a species management program.

Conservation status

New South Wales, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Vulnerable.

Breeding season

The Green-thighed Frog breeds from September to May after heavy rain, with the best survey opportunity from November to February. Calling may last only one or two nights after flooding, so timing varies between years and locations across New South Wales and Queensland.

Breeding mode: Eggs are laid in loose clumps among waterweed in temporary ponds. The larvae are free swimming.

Clutch size: Approximately 500 to 600 eggs.

Incubation or gestation: Not recorded.

Larval development: Larval development takes 6 to 10 weeks.

Fledging or weaning: Not applicable to this frog.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Breeding frequency: Usually one breeding event occurs at a site during a season. A second event is generally not attempted if the site has flooded within the previous three months.

Breeding depends strongly on heavy rainfall, and a suitable site may be inactive for long periods between breeding events; confirm conditions with targeted surveys after flooding rather than relying on calendar dates alone.

  • Calling and breeding: Adults call and breed after heavy rain, often during only one or two nights following flooding.
  • Eggs and tadpoles: Eggs and tadpoles follow breeding and larval development takes 6 to 10 weeks.
  • Dispersal from breeding pools: Juveniles and adults disperse into surrounding native vegetation for shelter, feeding and access to other breeding sites.
  • Terrestrial shelter and foraging: Outside breeding, frogs may shelter underground or in soil cracks, holes and tree holes, but their non-breeding habitat is poorly known.
  • Highest clearing risk: The highest risk is around flooded temporary pools and adjacent native vegetation during breeding, egg laying and tadpole development.

Identification: Appearance

The Green-thighed Frog is a small, ground-dwelling frog that is rarely seen outside breeding periods. Adults may move away from water soon after breeding, so call and habitat records are often more useful than visual searches alone.

Adults are rich chocolate brown, with a dark band from the snout that becomes wider towards the flank.

The groin and the area behind the thighs are green to blue. Adults grow to about 40 mm long.

Tadpoles: Entirely brown, with high tail fins

Adult posture and habits: Ground-dwelling and difficult to observe outside breeding periods

Identification: Calls and similar species

The call is a repeated series of quacks. It starts slowly and increases in tempo.

The call can resemble calls of rocket frogs, including the Broad-palmed Rocket Frog, Litoria latopalmata. Check calling individuals where practical, especially when both species may use the same breeding habitat.

  • Record the location, time, weather and habitat whenever a call is heard.
  • Use aural and visual checks to confirm the species rather than relying on the call alone.

Identification: Field signs

The most useful field signs are adult calls, tadpoles and froglets in shallow temporary water. Tadpoles are predominantly surface dwellers but feed throughout the water body.

No distinctive droppings, nests, stains, odour or whitewash are used for field identification. Do not assume a site is unoccupied because adult frogs are not seen.

  • Look for brown tadpoles with high tail fins.
  • Search water edges, waterweed and nearby leaf litter carefully.
  • Use clean equipment between wetlands to reduce the spread of amphibian disease.

Distribution: Range in Australia

The Green-thighed Frog has a patchy distribution in eastern Australia. It occurs in isolated coastal and near-coastal localities from south-east Queensland to central New South Wales.

In Queensland, the range extends from the Cordalba State Forest area through south-east Queensland. Records occur from sea level to about 600 m above sea level.

In New South Wales, the species extends south to the Ourimbah area and occurs along the coast and ranges to just north of Wollongong.

  • Queensland
  • New South Wales

Distribution: Regional pattern

The species is patchily distributed from approximately Gympie to Sydney. Its estimated extent of occurrence is about 72,500 km², but occupied habitat is thought to cover less than 500 km².

In Brisbane, it should be treated as rare. Records include Berrinba, Karawatha Forest, Anstead and McDowell.

  • Treat apparently isolated records as significant during site planning.
  • Check nearby temporary pools and native vegetation, not just the location of the original record.

Distribution: Overseas range

The Green-thighed Frog is an Australian species. No overseas range is recognised.

Habitat: Vegetation types

Look for the Green-thighed Frog in native forest and heath where rainwater collects in temporary or semi-permanent wetlands. Ground-layer condition can be more useful than broad forest type when assessing habitat suitability.

The species occurs in rainforest, moist eucalypt forest, dry eucalypt forest and heath. It tends to use wetter forest types in the southern part of its range, but also occurs in open and drier forests in south-east Queensland.

  • Native forest adjoining temporary pools
  • Heath and flood-prone forest
  • Open forest with intact leaf litter and woody debris

Habitat: Wetland features

Potential habitat includes shallow temporary ponds, larger depressions, flooded swales, flooded ditches and swampy areas that hold water after heavy rain.

Suitable breeding waterbodies are generally semi-permanent or ephemeral, with more than 25 m² of surface area when flooded. Larger depressions or flooding swamp areas greater than 5 m by 10 m should receive particular attention.

  • Waterbodies that are dry during most site visits
  • Flood-tolerant vegetation marking former inundation
  • Waterweed, shallow margins and areas with little current

Habitat: Land and ground-layer features

Ground-layer characteristics can influence where frogs occur. Retain and inspect leaf litter, woody debris, shrubs and moist soil around potential breeding water.

Broad forest type alone may not identify all suitable habitat. A dry-looking depression can become breeding habitat after intense rain.

  • Avoid treating temporary wetlands as low-value areas because they are dry at the time of inspection.
  • Include native vegetation immediately beside breeding water in habitat assessments.

Foraging habitat: Adult and juvenile foraging areas

Adults and juveniles disperse from breeding water into surrounding native vegetation to forage, shelter and locate other breeding sites. The species-specific diet is poorly studied, so retain a varied, insect-rich ground layer around wetlands.

Foraging habitat includes native vegetation around breeding pools and flooded areas. Frogs may move away from water after breeding, particularly where temporary wetlands dry out.

Suitable ground cover includes leaf litter, woody debris, shrubs and moist soil. These features also support the small invertebrates eaten by frogs.

  • Keep vegetation around temporary pools connected to surrounding native habitat.
  • Avoid removing leaf litter and woody debris from the wetland edge.
  • Limit exposure of the wetland and surrounding ground to direct sun and drying winds.

Foraging habitat: Likely food

The diet of the Green-thighed Frog has not been studied in detail. Australian frogs generally eat moving prey such as ants, termites, beetles, bugs, grasshoppers, cockroaches, spiders and other frogs.

Tadpoles feed on vegetation and detritus.

  • Maintain natural vegetation and ground cover that supports prey.
  • Avoid pesticide drift, sediment deposition and weed treatments near breeding water.

Foraging habitat: Site implications

A development footprint can affect foraging habitat even when it avoids the waterbody itself. Clearing, lighting, dust, altered drainage and barriers can reduce the quality of surrounding habitat and restrict movement.

  • Map the wetland and adjoining native vegetation together.
  • Inspect likely movement routes between temporary pools and nearby forest.
  • Keep work compounds, stockpiles and vehicle routes away from wetland margins where practicable.

Breeding habitat: Breeding places

The Green-thighed Frog breeds in larger temporary pools and flooded areas after heavy rain. Breeding activity can be brief, often lasting only one or two nights, so timing surveys and works around rainfall is essential.

Look for semi-permanent or ephemeral waterbodies within native vegetation, immediately beside native vegetation or within 10 m of native vegetation.

Suitable sites include larger depressions, flooded swamp areas, temporary ponds and flooded ditches. Tadpoles occur in shallow temporary water.

  • Waterbodies with more than 25 m² of surface area when flooded
  • Depressions or swamp areas greater than 5 m by 10 m
  • Shallow margins with waterweed and flood-tolerant vegetation

Breeding habitat: Rainfall and breeding timing

Breeding occurs after heavy rain, generally from September to May. Calling is usually during or within 24 hours after flooding.

Heavy rainfall greater than 50 mm in 24 hours can trigger flooding, although smaller rainfall events combined over time may also inundate a site. If a breeding site has flooded within the previous three months, frogs generally do not attempt a second breeding event there.

  • Plan targeted call surveys for the first suitable nights after heavy rain.
  • Do not rely on a quiet night to demonstrate absence.
  • Treat a flooded site as active breeding habitat until follow-up checks are complete.

Breeding habitat: Eggs and tadpoles

Approximately 500 to 600 eggs are laid in loose clumps among waterweed in temporary ponds. The larvae are free swimming and develop in about 6 to 10 weeks.

Egg survival may depend on further rainfall. A site that is suitable when surveyed can become unsuitable if drainage, sediment or construction activity changes its water regime.

  • Avoid disturbing waterweed, shallow margins and wetland sediments.
  • Check for tadpoles and metamorphosing froglets several weeks after breeding activity.
  • Prevent sediment, concrete washout, fuel and other contaminants entering temporary water.

Sheltering habitat: Potential refuges

Non-breeding habitat is poorly known because the species is rarely observed away from water. Temporary water frogs can survive between breeding events in moist ground refuges and nearby vegetation, so habitat around breeding sites should be retained.

The Green-thighed Frog may burrow underground or shelter in cracks and holes in soil or in tree holes. Specific refuge features for this species have not been clearly defined.

Retain moist ground, leaf litter, woody debris, shrubs and natural soil structure near breeding water.

  • Cracks and holes in soil
  • Loose leaf litter and woody debris
  • Tree holes and other damp cavities
  • Dense native ground cover

Sheltering habitat: Surrounding native vegetation

Non-breeding habitat is native vegetation adjacent to breeding habitat. After breeding, adults and juveniles disperse into this surrounding habitat to forage, shelter, avoid predators and find new breeding sites.

Movement distances for this species are not well defined. Temporary-water frogs may move farther from breeding sites than frogs associated with permanent streams.

  • Keep wetland edges connected to nearby native vegetation.
  • Avoid isolating pools with roads, cleared strips, hardstand or fencing that frogs cannot cross.
  • Search ground refuges carefully before clearing in suitable habitat.

Sheltering habitat: Site handling

Use a staged clearing approach where practical. Begin with habitat checks and retain natural refuges until an ecologist or authorised fauna spotter catcher has assessed the area.

Avoid unnecessary disturbance of soil, logs, litter and tree hollows around temporary wetlands, particularly after rain when frogs may be active.

  • Keep machinery out of wetland depressions and saturated ground.
  • Inspect stored materials and disturbed ground before moving or reinstating them.
  • Keep lighting, noise and night traffic away from active breeding areas where practicable.

Threats: Clearing and development

The main risks on development and land management sites are loss of temporary wetlands, clearing of surrounding vegetation and barriers to movement. Small, isolated populations can be affected by changes to only a few breeding places.

Urban expansion, housing development and road construction can remove breeding pools and surrounding terrestrial habitat. Clearing around water can reduce refuge sites, increase exposure to sun and heat, and alter prey availability.

Fragmentation can restrict movement between breeding sites and increase the risk of local loss from small isolated populations.

  • Avoid clearing temporary ponds, flooded depressions and adjacent native vegetation.
  • Map the full habitat unit, including breeding water, wetland margins and surrounding ground habitat.
  • Retain connections between pools and nearby forest or heath.

Threats: Hydrology and water quality

Drainage, filling, excessive water extraction and changed runoff can reduce the number and duration of temporary waterbodies. Sediment and altered water chemistry can affect eggs, tadpoles and wetland vegetation.

Loss of vegetation around pools can increase erosion, sedimentation and water temperature.

  • Maintain natural inflows, shallow margins and water-holding depressions.
  • Use erosion and sediment controls before ground disturbance starts.
  • Keep saline water, dirty runoff, fuels, concrete and chemicals out of breeding habitat.

Threats: Roads and construction barriers

Roads and construction areas can kill frogs, restrict dispersal and separate breeding places from refuge habitat. Temporary fencing and permanent frog fencing have been used near known breeding habitat on major road projects.

Fencing should prevent frogs, including juveniles, from entering the road or work area and should remain effective during flooding.

  • Use targeted surveys and baseline monitoring to locate fencing before construction.
  • Consider mesh size, fence height, an overhanging lip and flood resistance.
  • Inspect fences regularly for gaps, undercutting and trapped frogs.

Threats: Weeds and invasive species

Invasive plants can change wetland structure, light levels, ground cover and refuge availability. Camphor laurel and its residues can harm native frog larvae. Cane toad eggs and tadpoles are lethal to native tadpoles when eaten.

Weed control and pest management should avoid contaminating temporary wetlands or removing all ground cover at once.

  • Prevent cane toads from establishing around breeding wetlands where practicable.
  • Use amphibian-safe weed control methods and prevent spray drift into water.
  • Retain suitable native ground cover while weeds are being removed.

Survey methodology: 1. Survey conditions and timing

The Green-thighed Frog is difficult to detect outside breeding events. Plan surveys around heavy rain and use calls, visual searches and tadpole sampling together.

Survey in spring to autumn after flooding rain, with November to February generally the most useful period. Calling may occur for only one or two nights during or within 24 hours after flooding, commonly after more than 50 mm of rain in 24 hours, although smaller combined rainfall events may also inundate a site.

Search larger temporary pools, flooded depressions and swamp areas. Prioritise waterbodies larger than 25 square metres that are in native vegetation, immediately beside native vegetation, or within 10 m of it. Look for larger depressions or flooded areas greater than 5 m by 10 m, especially where flood tolerant vegetation is present.

  • Check rainfall and water levels before mobilising survey teams.
  • Treat a dry visit as a habitat inspection, not as evidence that the species is absent.
  • Avoid relying on a single night because calling opportunities are brief and irregular.

Survey methodology: 2. Aural and visual surveys

Use aural and visual searches around the waterbody and adjoining native vegetation. For the NSW threatened frog survey method, complete a 500 m transect over 240 minutes and repeat the survey twice on separate days when suitable conditions occur.

Use nocturnal searches along transects after heavy rain. A minimum of one 200 m transect per waterbody, repeated on at least two separate nights, is also specified in NSW field survey guidance.

The call is a repeated series of quacks that starts slowly and increases in tempo. Check calling animals because the call can resemble rocket frogs, including Litoria latopalmata.

  • Start after dark when calling is expected and record the start and finish time.
  • Walk slowly and scan the water edge, shallow water, leaf litter, woody debris and nearby ground cover.
  • Photograph or otherwise verify calling animals where identification could be confused.

Survey methodology: 3. Tadpole and froglet searches

Search shallow temporary water, including the edges and surface layers of the pool. Tadpoles are predominantly surface dwellers, feed throughout the waterbody, and can be sampled with a fine meshed net with a head at least 30 cm in diameter.

Complete two tadpole surveys. Use 10 minutes per 50 square metres of water surface area, where that effort can be applied safely and without damaging the breeding place.

Repeat tadpole and metamorphosing froglet searches about 30 to 60 days after the calling survey. Tadpole searches are most useful from two to four weeks after a major rain event.

  • Record tadpole colour, tail shape, abundance and life stage. Green-thighed Frog tadpoles are brown and have high tail fins.
  • Avoid disturbing egg clumps, waterweed and the pond substrate more than necessary.
  • Clean and disinfect nets, footwear and other equipment between wetlands to reduce disease transmission.

Survey methodology: 4. Field records and interpretation

Record the date, time, weather, recent rainfall, water depth and extent, waterbody area, vegetation, ground layer, call activity and survey effort. Map the waterbody, adjoining native vegetation and any likely movement routes.

Record all detections with a location, method, life stage, photographs or call verification, and an estimate of numbers where this can be made reliably. Record negative results with the same level of detail.

Do not treat one unsuccessful survey as proof of absence. The species may call on only a few nights in a year and its non breeding habitat is poorly known.

  • Mark egg masses, tadpole concentrations and froglet areas on plans before works are designed.
  • Record nearby roads, drains, culverts, barriers, weeds, cleared areas and potential refuge habitat.
  • Have an experienced amphibian ecologist review uncertain records and survey limitations.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Desktop assessment and approvals

Avoid breeding places and connected native vegetation wherever practicable. Resolve threatened species approvals before clearing, construction access or changes to drainage begin.

Check current records, mapped habitat, previous environmental assessments and recent rainfall dependent wetland locations. Assess both the breeding waterbody and the surrounding native vegetation used for shelter, foraging and movement.

For a project in New South Wales, apply the threatened species assessment and approval pathway for a Vulnerable species. Obtain any required biodiversity, development, clearing and fauna handling approvals before work starts.

For a project in Queensland, confirm whether work will tamper with a breeding place. A species management program may be required for protected near threatened animals. Obtain any required Queensland protected wildlife permits and approvals.

Assess whether the project needs referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Do not assume a referral is unnecessary without checking the current national listing and the project impacts.

  • Use the current state and Commonwealth species listings at the approval stage.
  • Include temporary access tracks, stockpiles, drainage works, dewatering and compound areas in the assessment.
  • Keep approval conditions, permits, maps and contact details in the site environmental control plan.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Pre clearance survey and site controls

Complete a targeted survey after suitable flooding rain before finalising the clearing boundary. Inspect temporary pools, flooded ditches, drainage depressions and adjoining native vegetation.

Mark breeding places, egg masses, tadpole habitat, froglet habitat and native vegetation links on the ground. Retain the waterbody and surrounding refuge habitat wherever practicable.

Set a site specific no go area around each breeding place and any occupied refuge or movement route. The exclusion area must be approved by the project ecologist and regulator where required. Do not apply an unsupported generic buffer.

Keep natural water levels and drainage patterns. Do not drain, fill, sediment load, illuminate or isolate temporary pools.

  • Fence exclusion areas before machinery arrives.
  • Install sediment and erosion controls outside the breeding place and inspect them after rain.
  • Design crossings, culverts and temporary fencing to maintain movement between breeding habitat and surrounding native vegetation.
  • Retain leaf litter, woody debris, shrubs and soil structure in adjoining habitat.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Work timing and construction design

Schedule clearing and earthworks outside active breeding events where practicable. Give particular weight to the period from September to May and to any period immediately after heavy rain, when calling, egg laying, tadpole development and froglet dispersal may occur.

Plan works so that temporary waterbodies are not removed, isolated or altered while they contain eggs, tadpoles or froglets. Development can take six to ten weeks, so allow for the full aquatic stage before disturbing an occupied pool.

Design roads and permanent drainage to avoid barriers between breeding places and surrounding habitat. Where a road cannot be avoided, obtain project specific advice on amphibian fencing and safe crossing measures.

  • Use weather forecasts and rainfall alerts to trigger an environmental hold point.
  • Stop or defer works if a planned work area floods or becomes a breeding place.
  • Do not use lighting that shines directly onto breeding pools or adjoining refuge habitat.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Induction and exclusion systems

Induct all workers, plant operators and subcontractors before entering the work area. Show photographs, maps, exclusion fencing, stop work contacts and the response procedure.

Nominate a qualified fauna spotter catcher or amphibian ecologist with authority to stop work. Make that authority clear in the site management plan and pre start briefing.

Use temporary fencing where it is needed to keep frogs out of an active work area. Fencing should have sufficiently small mesh or a solid face, adequate height, an overhanging lip, and the strength to withstand periodic flooding.

  • Inspect fencing at the start of each shift and after rain.
  • Keep gates closed and repair gaps immediately.
  • Prevent sediment, chemicals, concrete washout and fuel from entering temporary water.
  • Prohibit unauthorised collection, handling or relocation of frogs.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Staged clearing and active supervision

Use a staged clearing sequence and keep an active search ahead of machinery. Stop immediately when a Green-thighed Frog, breeding place or unexpected wetland is found in the work area.

Clear from the least sensitive edge towards retained habitat, using small stages that allow animals to move into safe areas. Keep the fauna spotter catcher at the leading edge of clearing and inspect the ground, litter, debris, drains and wet depressions.

Avoid clearing during or immediately after heavy rain when frogs may be calling, breeding or dispersing. Reinspect the work area after rainfall and before each new clearing stage.

Keep plant outside marked exclusion areas. Do not push vegetation, spoil or debris into temporary pools or adjoining native vegetation.

  • Begin each shift with a toolbox talk and exclusion fence inspection.
  • Use low speed plant movements near retained habitat and wetlands.
  • Stop the relevant plant, isolate the area and call the authorised fauna handler if an animal is found.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Handling and relocation

Only an authorised and appropriately trained person may handle a Green-thighed Frog. Minimise handling time and do not chase animals through dense cover or water.

Use clean, powder free gloves or clean wet hands as directed by the fauna specialist. Keep the animal cool, shaded and moist, without placing it in contaminated water or direct sunlight.

Relocate an animal only under the relevant permit, approval and project procedure. Release it into suitable nearby habitat selected by the ecologist, not into an unassessed pool or across a road.

  • Record the capture location, time, condition, sex if known, photographs, destination and handler.
  • Change or clean gloves between animals and follow amphibian disease hygiene procedures.
  • Do not move egg masses or tadpoles unless a specific approval and method has been issued by the regulator.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Active breeding places and unexpected habitat

If eggs, tadpoles, froglets or calling adults are found, stop work within the affected area. Treat the waterbody and adjoining native vegetation as an active breeding place until the fauna ecologist and regulator confirm the next step.

Do not drain, infill, excavate, pump, divert or cross an occupied breeding place. Keep sediment, chemicals, vehicles and workers out of the exclusion area.

If a breeding place cannot be retained, seek written direction under the relevant approval before proceeding. A Queensland species management program may be required where work tampers with a breeding place.

  • Extend the exclusion area if froglets or adults are moving into surrounding habitat.
  • Install or maintain temporary frog fencing only after checking that it will not trap animals inside the work zone.
  • Document the decision, approval reference, map and person who authorised any change.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured animals and incident records

Place an injured animal in a clean, secure, ventilated container lined with a damp, clean material. Keep it quiet and shaded and contact the project fauna ecologist or wildlife carer immediately.

Do not give food or medication unless directed by a veterinarian or authorised wildlife rehabilitator. Do not release an injured animal without professional advice.

Report deaths, injuries, trapped animals, damaged breeding places, failed fencing, sediment releases and unauthorised handling under the project incident procedure and any approval conditions.

  • Record the time, exact location, activity, plant involved, weather, animal condition and photographs.
  • Preserve the incident area for inspection where this can be done safely.
  • Notify the superintendent, environmental manager and relevant regulator when required by the approval.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post clearance inspection

Post clearance checks should confirm that no animals remain trapped and that breeding places, refuge habitat and drainage controls are functioning. Keep records that allow the project team to improve controls after each work stage.

Inspect the cleared area, exclusion fences, drains, culverts, sediment controls and retained vegetation at the end of each clearing stage. Search shaded ground, leaf litter, debris, pits, trenches and temporary water around the work area.

Repeat checks after heavy rain and before removing temporary fencing or opening a completed road section. Confirm that no frogs, froglets, eggs or tadpoles are isolated by the works.

Check that temporary pools have not been drained, polluted, filled or altered by runoff.

  • Keep trenches, pits and pipes covered or fitted with escape measures when unattended.
  • Remove waste, mesh, packaging and other traps from the work area.
  • Record the inspection date, personnel, weather, findings and corrective actions.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Monitoring and relocated animals

Monitor retained breeding places during the next suitable rainfall events and through the aquatic development period. Use call surveys and tadpole searches where the approval or ecological risk warrants follow up.

Track relocated animals and inspect release areas for shelter, moisture, connectivity and hazards. Do not assume that a released frog has survived without checking the site as required by the approval.

Compare post work observations with the baseline survey, including waterbody condition, vegetation cover, sediment, lighting and movement barriers.

  • Use the same survey methods and locations where practical so results can be compared.
  • Record calling, egg masses, tadpoles, froglets, adult sightings, mortality and evidence of use.
  • Escalate declining water quality, repeated mortality or failed movement controls to the project ecologist.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Reporting and compliance close out

Prepare a species record for each work stage. Include survey effort, weather and rainfall, detections, handling, relocation, incidents, breeding place controls, fencing inspections and monitoring results.

Submit reports and records required by the NSW, Queensland, Commonwealth or development approval. Retain photographs, maps, permits, approvals and fauna handler details with the project environmental records.

Review every incident and near miss before the next clearing stage. Update the induction, work method, exclusion map and hold points where controls were ineffective.

  • Close an environmental hold point only when the authorised ecologist confirms that the relevant controls are in place.
  • Keep a register of all animals handled, including animals released without injury.
  • Provide a clear handover to the land manager for retained wetlands, fencing and rehabilitation areas.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore breeding and refuge habitat

Rehabilitation should restore the wetland and the surrounding ground layer, not just replace the open water. The species depends on temporary water for breeding and nearby native vegetation for shelter, foraging and movement.

Reinstate natural drainage and shallow temporary depressions where these can be restored without creating new impacts. Maintain seasonal drying and flooding patterns rather than converting the site to permanent water.

Restore native vegetation around breeding places and retain leaf litter, woody debris, shrubs and suitable soil structure. These features provide refuge and foraging habitat between breeding events.

Protect restored pools from vehicle access, trampling, sediment, fertiliser, chemicals and stock.

  • Use local native species suited to the site and its wetness regime.
  • Stabilise disturbed soil without sealing the ground or changing runoff into the pool.
  • Maintain links between the pool and surrounding native vegetation.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Artificial structures and replacement habitat

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nests or roost structures as a substitute for Green-thighed Frog habitat. This is a ground dwelling, temporary water frog and no species specific artificial roost structure is identified.

Where approved by the ecologist, provide naturalistic refuge features such as retained logs, woody debris, leaf litter, dense ground cover and protected cracks or shallow shelter areas. Place them beside, rather than in, the breeding pool.

If a breeding place must be replaced, develop the design with the regulator and an amphibian ecologist before construction. Match the temporary hydroperiod, shallow water, vegetation and surrounding refuge habitat of the affected site.

  • Do not create permanent deep ponds unless they are part of an approved design.
  • Do not stock artificial ponds with fish or introduce frogs, eggs or tadpoles without approval.
  • Monitor any replacement breeding place through wet and dry periods before considering it functional.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Weed, water and disease management

Remove invasive plants using methods that protect the pool, tadpoles, native ground layer and soil. Avoid herbicide drift and prevent contaminated wash water from entering breeding habitat.

Control erosion and sediment at the source. Keep water quality suitable for tadpoles and prevent changes caused by excessive extraction, saline groundwater, polluted runoff or altered drainage.

Clean plant, boots, nets and other equipment before moving between wetlands. Manage cane toads and their larvae under the approved pest program because cane toad eggs and tadpoles can harm native tadpoles.

  • Inspect rehabilitation areas after rain and repair erosion promptly.
  • Prevent camphor laurel and other weeds from replacing native ground cover.
  • Keep artificial lighting away from breeding pools and adjoining refuge habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Long term monitoring and maintenance

Monitor restored and retained sites across suitable rainfall events, including calling surveys after flooding and tadpole searches during development. Continue monitoring long enough to cover the six to ten week larval development period where breeding occurs.

Check waterbody area, hydroperiod, vegetation, sediment, weeds, refuge cover, fencing, road mortality and movement between the breeding place and surrounding habitat.

Use monitoring results to adjust weed control, drainage, fencing, lighting and access management. Escalate repeated breeding failure, mortality or loss of water quality to the land manager and regulator.

  • Record results using mapped locations and consistent methods.
  • Inspect frog fencing after floods and repair gaps, undercuts and damaged overhangs.
  • Retain monitoring records and maintenance responsibilities in the final site handover.

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