Appendix H - Biodiversity Code

                                                                               Native Foresters



4.3      Tusked frog (Adelotus brevis)

The Tusked frog owes its name to the large paired projections or tusks that males possess in
the lower jaw. The Tusked frog is a monotypic genus, being the only species in the genus
Adelotus. It is the only species in Australia where the males are larger than the females.
Although common in parts of its range, declines and possible extinctions in some areas
prompted its listing as Vulnerable under the NC Act 1992.

Tusked frogs are habitat generalists that can be found under logs, stones or leaf litter near
puddles, creeks and ponds. The Tusked frog has a mottled dark brown back that is covered with
small warts. There is usually a butterfly-shaped marking between the eyes and the limbs are
banded. Bright red patches are located in the groin area and on the back of the legs. Males
construct nests in concealed sites under leaf litter, vegetation or logs in shallow water at the
edge of ponds or stream pools (Anstis, 2002). The territory will encompass an area of water
suitable for the female to lay her eggs on in a foamy nest on the surface (Frogs Australia, 2017).

No Tusked frogs were identified during the survey, however prolonged inundation may give rise
to potential breeding habitat in the survey area. Tusked frogs have been recorded in the
surrounding area e.g. Heritage Park (Joan Heavey, pers.comm.) and Daintree Estate (Native
Foresters, 2014). Further surveys in optimum conditions are required to ascertain presence of
the species and utilisation of the habitats within the Carramar site for breeding.

4.4      Wallum froglet (Crinia tinnula)

The Wallum froglet is a small frog (up to 20 mm in length) whose dorsal side is highly variable in
colour (grey, beige, red-brown) and texture (smooth or irregular). The ventral side is granular,
with a fine median line of white dots on the throat that may continue across the belly. Walllum
froglet is listed as Vulnerable under the NC Act.

Wallum froglets require ephemeral and semi-permanent acidic swamps and creeks that
seasonally flood for breeding. They also inhabit adjacent heathlands and Melaleuca woodlands.
The species is considered tolerant of disturbance, and is known to call from depressions in
grassy areas adjacent to drains after prolonged rainfall.

Breeding usually occurs in winter, although has been recorded in all seasons after rain (Meyer
et al. 2006). Tadpoles may take two to six months to develop into frogs. Males may call
throughout the year and at any time of day, peaking following rain. Habitat modification,
predation by Cane toads and Mosquito fish; and changes in hydrology and pH pose significant
threats to this species.

Wallum froglets were not identified within the survey area, however the ponded water
surrounded by Melaleuca woodland near the carpark, Melaleuca wetland and culverts on site
provide potentially suitable breeding habitat for the species. There are two WildNET records of
Wallum froglets within a one kilometre radius.




Carramar Extension – Fauna and Flora Assessment                                                   28