Giant Barred Frog
Conservation Status: Endangered
Meet the Giant Barred Frog
The Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus) is one of Australia’s most remarkable amphibians, the second-largest frog in the country, reaching up to 120 mm in body length. With smooth, olive-brown skin patterned with darker blotches, a golden upper iris, and striking banded limbs, it is perfectly camouflaged in rainforest leaf litter.
Found near flowing creeks or streams in subtropical and temperate rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests between southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, these frogs depend on pristine waterways to survive.
During spring and summer, males produce a deep “grunting” call from the water’s edge after rain — part of their unique stuttering mating display. Females lay eggs on overhanging banks or rocks; after several days, heavy rain or gravity washes the eggs into the water. The resulting tadpoles can grow up to 84 mm, making them some of the largest in Australia.
Ecologically, the Giant Barred Frog plays a vital role as both predator and prey - consuming invertebrates while providing food for larger animals. Their presence is a strong indicator of clean, healthy freshwater systems.
Did you know?
- The Giant Barred Frog’s vertical pupil and golden iris make it instantly recognisable.
- It is Australia’s second-largest frog, second only to the Great Barred Frog.
- Its unusual breeding behaviour includes kicking eggs onto banks above streams, where they later wash into the water.
Why They’re at Risk
- Massive Declines: Populations have suffered dramatic reductions, with some areas experiencing losses of up to 90%.
- Chytrid Disease: A lethal fungal infection that impairs skin function and water regulation, causing rapid and widespread deaths.
- Habitat Degradation: Logging, land clearing, and habitat fragmentation have destroyed critical breeding and foraging zones.
- Pollution & Water Quality: Agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and urban development threaten breeding environments by contaminating waterways.
- Climate & Fire: Climate change, intense bushfires, and altered rainfall patterns affect breeding cycles and destroy riparian habitats.
- Predation & Competition: Introduced predators such as cats, rats, and certain fish prey on eggs, tadpoles, and adults.
Aussie Ark’s Conservation Initiative
Aussie Ark is taking decisive action to protect the endangered Giant Barred Frog, a species on the brink due to habitat loss and disease.
- Captive “Insurance” Population: Aussie Ark’s breeding program maintains a healthy population of Giant Barred Frogs in captivity, safeguarding against total loss in the wild.
- Rewilding & Chytrid Management: We rewild healthy juveniles and tadpoles into restored stream habitats, monitoring their health and genetic diversity to strengthen wild populations.
- Habitat Restoration: We rehabilitate riparian zones, remove invasive weeds, and improve water quality to create secure breeding and foraging areas.
- Research & Monitoring: We study habitat use, population trends, and breeding success to ensure every conservation action is effective.
Through this work, Aussie Ark is giving the Giant Barred Frog a lifeline by restoring its habitats, rebuilding its populations, and securing its future in the wild.
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.
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Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Adopt
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Find out more about how we’re helping Giant Barred Frogs
Aussie Ark is stepping up to protect Australia’s wildlife at a time when it has never been more urgent. From building predator-proof sanctuaries and restoring vital habitats, to running world-leading breeding programs and reintroducing animals back into the wild, we are giving threatened species a fighting chance. Every action we take is about safeguarding the future of these animals and ensuring Australia’s unique wildlife can thrive for generations to come.
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