Littlejohn's Tree Frog

• Small, Fragmented Populations: There are only around five known populations remaining, completely isolated and with very limited gene flow between them.
• Severe Inbreeding: Genetic analyses reveal worrying levels of inbreeding, particularly in the Watagan and Blue Mountains populations—reducing resilience to disease and environmental stress.
• Chytrid Disease: Like many amphibians, this species is highly susceptible to chytridiomycosis, which attacks the skin and disrupts vital respiratory and water regulation processes.
• Habitat Loss & Disturbance: Swamps and upland stream habitats have been degraded by land clearing, mining (longwall subsidence), altered hydrology, and recreational use. Long-term logging and forestry operations further disrupt breeding and non-breeding habitats.
• Climate & Fire Impacts: The devastating 2019–2020 bushfires burned up to a third of the frog’s habitat. Experts estimate post-fire population declines between 11% and 26% in affected areas. Ongoing drought, increased temperatures, altered rainfall, and fire regimes continue to threaten habitat quality.
• Limited Dispersal: Tadpoles require stable, year-round water bodies that are rare and patchy across the landscape, making it difficult for frogs to find new breeding sites naturally.

Aussie Ark has adopted a robust, science-based approach to protect and restore Littlejohn’s Tree Frog populations, closely mirroring strategies used for the Giant Barred Frog:

• Captive Breeding & Head-Starting: We support captive breeding efforts and head-start programs that raise tadpoles and juveniles safely before release, boosting early survival and reducing vulnerability to predators and environmental hazards.
• Landscape Connectivity & Genetic Rescue: Using assisted reproductive technologies and genetic insights, we aim to bolster genetic diversity and resilience by strategically connecting fragmented populations—mitigating inbreeding effects.
• Integrated Monitoring & Research: Our conservation efforts combine population monitoring, habitat mapping, disease management, and post-fire recovery strategies. This ensures adaptive, data-driven conservation across different landscapes and conditions.