RESCUE ADVICE
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Before handling a frog, thoroughly wet your hands, or better still, wear wet gloves. The secretions on our skin can cause harm to the frog's delicate skin.
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Gently place the frog in a waterproof container with either a damp bit of paper towel or cloth, takeaway plastic containers are perfect.
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Pour a few drops of water (preferably spring or rainwater) onto the frog’s skin, so it doesn’t dry out.
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Take an injured frog to a local vet or call the Recue Hotline 0418 628 483.
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Do not dispose of water from the frog’s container down your sink or toilet as this may inadvertently spread Chytridiomycosis. Pour the water into a pot plant instead, where it can cause no harm.
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Do not attempt to feed the frog any food or water.
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If you do find a frog in a location where it needs to be moved, such as inside your house, then it is safe to move it by wearing unpowdered disposable gloves or wetting your hands before picking it up. Alternatively, gently shepherd the frog into a clean container.
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The frog should be moved into a moist dark location as short a distance away as possible – under a plant in a nearby garden is ideal. After handling any frog, wash your hands thoroughly with soap to remove any potential pathogens or irritants produced by the frog. Any gloves or containers used should be discarded or thoroughly washed.
Did you know?
The mountain stream tree frog (pictured above) is a species of tree frog native to highland areas of NSW, Australia stretching from the Myall Lakes area, north to around Dorrigo National Park and west to Barrington Tops National Park.
Common species in the Hunter Valley
The Hunter Region has a rich diversity of Amphibian fauna, with 48 species of native frog, an amazing 20% of Australia’s recognised frog species, occurring within the region. We would like to credit and thank NSW Government Local Land Services for the following information.
Green and Golden Bell Frog
Endangered
The green and golden bell frog is a ground-dwelling tree frog native to eastern Australia. Despite its classification and climbing abilities, it does not live in trees and spends almost all of its time close to ground level. It can reach up to 11cm in length, making it one of Australia's largest frogs.
Red-crowned frog
Vunerable
Identification features include a red-orange crown marking on the head, a squat body shape and it lacks glands.
The Red-crowned frog enjoys temporary puddles or creeks in forests located on sandstone in the region’s south.
This species as declined due to habitat disturbance, requiring unpolluted water.
Mahony’s glandular frog
Endangered
Only found in the Hunter and Central Coast regions, this frog has a large gland behind it's eyes and often a second lower lid on side. It has a red-orange colour patch in the groin and a mottled colouration on its lower sides.
Preferred habitat includes sandy coastal ponds around Tomago and Norah Head.
Booroolong frog
Endangered
Identified by its mottled brown colouration, and relatively smooth skin.
Prefers flowing creeks north of Scone.
Historically occurred in the Barrington
and Goulburn River areas but has
declined. This Endangered species
lives on rocky creeks, many of which flow through farmland. Protecting creeks helps this species.
Northern heath frog
Vunerable
Features a red-orange colouration in the armpit, groin, and thigh. Also has a dark brown stripe from the snout, over
the eye and ear and is large compared to similar species.
Habitat includes ponds and slow-flowing sandstone creeks in the south of the region.
This vulnerable species can be assisted by protecting and minimising disturbance to ponds and streams in the Watagan Mountains.