Litoria dahlii
Copyright © Marion Anstis
Distribution map
Distribution Map of Litoria dahlii
Copyright © Hal Cogger
Status
IUCN Classification:
Not listed
(International Union for Conservation of Nature)
Bioregion occurrence:
(this is not a distribution map)
State occurrence:
Links
- Dahl's Aquatic Frog
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Litoria dahlii
Family: Hylidae
Common names: Northern Waterfrog; Dahl's Frog
Description: This frog is olive-brown or olive grey on its back, sometimes with darker variegations and golden brown blotches. A faint pale stripe usually runs down the spine and the skin on the back is finely granular. The backs of the thighs are spotted with white. The tympanum (tight membrane covering the entrance to the ear) is large and partially covered by a fold at the top. The belly is white and smooth. The toes are fully webbed.
Size: 70 mm
Habitat: This frog lives in the savannah woodlands of Northern Australia. It is often found basking at the edge of the water.
Call: A low, soft short bark sound.
Breeding: Occurs during January and February and probably other times during summer after suitable rain.
Tadpoles: Are fairly large and can range from very dark grey-brown to lighter grey-brown depending on environmental conditions. These tadpoles often have a darker patch across the base of the body and swim with a whole body 'wriggling' action.
Similar species: This frog can be distinguished from all other species of Litoria by its distribution, webbed toes and lack of finger and toe discs.
Conservation Information
Suspected threatening processes
- None stated
Population size: An estimate of the total number of adults present in the species entire range is >50000 individuals. Some factors affecting population size and distribution are known, but 1 or more major factors are unknown.
Population trend in Australia over the past 50 years: Population size stable or suspected to be stable or increasing.
Knowledge of population trend in Australia: Not currently monitored.
Population concentration: Not known to concentrate or exist in discrete locations. (e.g. the number of sites in which individuals group together either seasonally, such as breeding sites, or they may occupy discrete habitat patches within the broader landscape, such as discrete water bodies or drainage units.)
Ongoing management activities in Australia: None directed primarily at the taxon.
Reproductive potential for recovery: The average number of eggs deposited per adult female per year is 201-1000 eggs/female/year. Minimum age at which females are known or suspected to first reproduce is 2-3 years.
Range size in Australia: The size of the geographic area over which the taxon is distributed: 80,001-1,000,000 km² (up to 12% area of Australia or about the area of South Australia).
Distribution trend: Area occupied is stable or has increased. (This is an estimate of change in the portion of the total range that is occupied or utilised; it may not equal the change in total range.)
Knowledge of distribution in Australia: Broad range limits or habitat associations are known, but local occurrence cannot be predicted accurately.
References
Barker, J., G.C. Grigg and M.J. Tyler. 1995. A Field Guide to Australian Frogs. Surrey Beatty & Sons: Chipping Norton.
Cogger, H.G. 2000. Reptiles and amphibians of Australia. Reed Books: Sydney.