spencer’s river tree frog
National Parks/ Sanctuaries
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Common Names
spencer’s river tree frog, spotted treefrog
Regions
Australia
Population
Approximately 10,000 individuals
Habitat
Moist forests with dense vegetation and access to water sources.
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
0.1 - 0.2 lbs and 5 - 8 years
Regions
Australia
The Spotted Tree Frog (Litoria spenceri) is a small (up to 60 mm), olive-grey to green amphibian marked with mottling, endemic to southeastern Australia’s upland streams. Once more widespread, it now persists in just ~25 fragmented populations along high-elevation mountain streams between Victoria’s Central Highlands and NSW’s Snowy Mountains. It is Critically Endangered, suffering sharp declines largely due to introduced trout predation, chytrid fungus disease, and habitat degradation. With populations boasting as few as 10 to 68 adult frogs per 200 m of stream, and a maximum confirmed lifespan of 14 years, this species is demographically fragile. They mature slowly (2–6 years, depending on elevation), and successful breeding requires intact montane stream habitat.
Conservation measures include captive insurance programs and habitat recovery plans as part of Australia's recovery strategy. Immediate action is essential to preserve remaining populations and ensure long-term viability.
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
