Perch substrate use by the threatened wallum sedge frog (Litoria olongburensis) in wetland habitats of mainland eastern Australia

Abstract

Understanding habitat requirements for a threatened species is important for recovery planning and management of threatening processes. This study examines utilisation of wetland habitat by the threatened wallum sedge frog (Litoria olongburensis), which breeds in acidic waters of coastal sandy lowlands in subtropical eastern Australia. Habitat utilisation was determined by comparing perch substrate observations with perch substrate availability in wetlands occupied by the species throughout its mainland distribution range. A high proportion (75.3%) of adult wallum sedge frogs perched on upright sedges, comprising Baumea, Schoenus and Chorizandra species, which was much higher than expected on the basis of availability (P < 0.001). Baloskion pallens, a thin sedge-like herbaceous plant, was utilised by 12.1% of the frogs, which was lower than expected on the basis of availability (P = 0.020). Other herbaceous species and shrubs were also utilised significantly less than expected. The identification of preferred perch species is critical for impact assessment and mitigation activities, including design, construction, restoration and maintenance of wetlands suitable for the survival and reproduction of the wallum sedge frog.

Determining environmental limits of threatened species: the example of the wallum sedgefrog Litoria olongburensis

“…We selected waterbodies to survey in localities spread throughout the geographic range of wallum sedgefrogs on the Australian mainland (Fig. ), as described by Shuker and Hero (). Line transects were used to sample each waterbody.…”

“…(). Upright sedge cover was measured as described by Shuker and Hero (). Aquatic predators were sampled using a dip‐net and fish‐trap at each sampling point where possible.…”

“…wallum sedgefrogs on the Australian mainland ( Fig. 1), as described by Shuker and Hero (2013). Line transects were used to sample each waterbody.…”

Calling phenology and detectability of a threatened amphibian (Litoria olongburensis) in ephemeral wetlands varies along a latitudinal cline: Implications for management

“…Males call in most months of the year but are likely to display seasonality in calling intensity and activity (Hines & Meyer 2011). They breed in wetlands that periodically dry out (Lewis & Goldingay 2005;Shuker & Hero 2012;Simpkins et al 2013), which are strongly influenced by the timing and amount of spring and summer rainfall (Griffith et al 2008;Lowe et al 2015). The risk of reproductive failure for L. olongburensis depends on both the delay or lack of annual rainfall and the length of hydroperiod (Lowe et al 2015).…”

Distribution mapping of specialized amphibian species in rare, ephemeral habitats: Implications for the conservation of threatened “acid” frogs in south‐east Queensland

“…Here, we collate multiple sources of acid frog occurrence data, and use these data to estimate the contemporary distributions of all four acid frog species within the biologically important SEQ region, where rapid population growth and development pose a significant ongoing threat (Meyer et al, ; Shuker & Hero, ). By creating species‐specific distribution models we identify key areas at a local government level for the conservation of individual acid frog species, as well as highlight areas of importance for the conservation of the acid frog species as a group.…”