Croaks of Concern: Protecting Australia’s Critically Endangered Frogs
By Katie Loughran 15 March 2025
Frogs are often the unsung heroes of our ecosystems, playing a crucial role in controlling insect populations and serving as food for other wildlife. However, many of Australia’s native frogs are in danger of disappearing forever. Some species have already been lost, and others are rapidly approaching extinction without intervention.
Unfortunately, four frog species are believed to be extinct. The Northern Gastric-Brooding Frog from Queensland was famous for its unique reproductive method, where the female carried her eggs in her stomach. The Mountain Mist Frog, Northern Tinker Frog, and Yellow-Spotted Tree Frog from the Australian Alps have also disappeared due to habitat loss, disease, and climate change. These frogs were once common in their respective habitats but are now only memories of Australia’s once-vibrant amphibian populations. In addition to those already lost, four more species are hanging on by a thread and could be extinct by 2040 if we don’t act. These include the Southern Corroboree Frog and Baw Baw Frog in the Australian Alps, as well as the Kroombit Tinker Frog and Armoured Mist Frog in Queensland. These frogs are under threat from climate change, habitat destruction, and disease, but there’s still hope if we act now. Each of these frogs has very specific habitat needs that make them especially vulnerable to environmental changes.
Alpine Habitats for the Southern Corroboree Frog and Baw Baw Frog
The Southern Corroboree Frog and Baw Baw Frog both thrive in cool, damp alpine environments. The Southern Corroboree Frog is found in high-altitude areas, such as the Snowy Mountains, where it relies on mossy ground and alpine wetlands for breeding. Similarly, the Baw Baw Frog lives in the wet, misty forests of the Baw Baw Plateau in Victoria. These habitats are increasingly threatened by the effects of climate change, which is altering temperature and moisture levels in these delicate ecosystems.
Tropical Rainforests for the Kroombit Tinker Frog and Armoured Mist Frog
In Queensland, the Kroombit Tinker Frog and Armoured Mist Frog are found in subtropical rainforests and wetland areas, where they depend on cool, shaded environments. The Kroombit Tinker Frog thrives under thick leaf litter in rainforest habitats, while the Armoured Mist Frog lives near clean, flowing streams in the rainforest. Deforestation and pollution are putting these frogs’ habitats at risk, making their survival even more difficult.
How you can make a difference
While these frogs face significant challenges, there are steps we can take to help protect them. One of the most effective actions is restoring their habitats by planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses that provide shelter, moisture, and food sources.
Even small actions can have a big impact. Volunteering at local planting events, participating in conservation projects, or simply spreading awareness about these frogs' plight can make a real difference. By restoring habitats and protecting critical ecosystems, we can help give these frogs a fighting chance for survival.
Visit our National Tree Day ‘Join a Site’ webpage to find local planting events near you, where you can play a vital role in protecting these critically endangered frog species, by volunteering to plant trees, shrubs, and grasses. Every tree you plant makes a difference in restoring habitats and ensuring the survival of these important creatures.
Katie has a broad experience in non-profit program management and communications. Outside of work, she finds joy in gardening, cooking, and hiking. With a passion for animals and environmental conservation, she often spends her weekends volunteering at her local dog shelter and participating in beach clean-ups. Katie's goal is to see 30 million trees planted for National Tree Day.
