Southern Stuttering Frog

About This Species

The Southern Stuttering Frog (Mixophyes australis) is a fascinating amphibian, known for its striking appearance and unique behaviour. With its distinctive yellowish-brown to dark grey-brown back, highlighted by a dark stripe running down its spine and a black line extending from its nostrils to past its eyes, this species stands out in its native rainforest and wetland habitats. Reaching up to 8 cm in body length, the Southern Stuttering Frog is a true gem of Australia’s ecosystems. It was once confused with the closely related Mixophyes balbus, but a 2023 genetic study confirmed it as a separate species. Found along the eastern coast of Australia, from the Macleay River in New South Wales to northeastern Victoria, this species has sadly seen its range shrink dramatically due to the impacts of the amphibian chytrid fungus. Today, the Southern Stuttering Frog is a rare sight south of Sydney, but it still plays a vital role in the health of its wetland and stream environments.

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Threats They Face

Like many Australian amphibians, the Southern Stuttering Frog face population declines due to several key threats:

Disease: Like many frogs, one of the most significant threats is the spread of chytridiomycosis, known as chytrid disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This disease affects the skin of amphibians, which is essential for respiration and water regulation. Infected frogs often face high mortality rates, severely impacting their populations.
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: The Southern Stuttering Frog’s rainforest habitat has been heavily impacted by land clearing for agriculture, urban development, and logging. As their habitat shrinks and fragments, it becomes increasingly difficult for the species to find suitable breeding and foraging sites, threatening their ability to thrive.
Water Pollution: Being highly sensitive to water quality, the Southern Stuttering Frog is at risk from pollution caused by agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and urban development. Contaminated water sources harm their breeding success and reduce the availability of suitable habitats for survival.
Introduced Species: Introduced species, including predatory fish, invasive frogs, and feral animals like rats, pose major threats to the Southern Stuttering Frog. These species not only prey on the frogs, their eggs, and tadpoles, but also compete for essential food and shelter, intensifying the challenges the frogs face in their already fragile habitats.
Climate Change: Climate change is altering the temperature and rainfall patterns in the frog’s habitat, disrupting their reproductive cycles and food availability. Additionally, more extreme weather events, like floods and droughts, increase the instability of their environment, making it harder for the species to survive.

How Aussie Ark Is Helping

Aussie Ark is committed to providing a long-term future for threatened Australian wildlife, including the Southern Stuttering Frog. Our efforts include:

Insurance Population Captive Breeding Program: Aussie Ark is maintaining an insurance population of the Southern Stuttering Frog through captive breeding at Conservation Ark. This ensures the species’ survival by providing optimal conditions for breeding, care, and veterinary support. The program also gathers important data to inform future reintroduction efforts and long-term conservation strategies.
Reintroduction & Chytrid Disease Management: Aussie Ark is working to bring the Southern Stuttering Frog back to areas it once called home. Focusing on monitoring health, and genetic diversity as they are reintroduced. We’re also exploring how releasing juveniles and tadpoles can help reduce genetic isolation and fight the chytrid disease, giving the species a better chance of recovery.

How You Can Help

You can make a real difference! At Aussie Ark, we’re working tirelessly to protect Australia’s unique wildlife and restore their habitats. From Tasmanian Devils to Eastern Quolls, your support helps us care for endangered animals and preserve the beauty of our native bushland.