Habitat: Aquatic environments including lakes, dams, ponds, swamps, wetlands, slow-moving streams in high-altitude rainforest
Distribution: Found only in ranges in south-east QLD and far northern NSW, near the border with QLD
Life span: In captivity, Fleay’s barred frog can live up to 15 years
Conservation status: Listed as endangered by the IUCN. In Queensland it is listed under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, and under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 in New South Wales.
Main threats: Its population has declined severely due to the amphibian chytrid fungus. It is also threatened by habitat loss or damage due to urban development, predation by introduced species such as foxes, cats and fish, disease, climate change, and use of herbicides and pesticides.
About
The Fleay's barred frog (Mixophyes fleayi) is a moderately large species of frog, reaching up to 90mm in length. Its dorsal surface is light brown with darker blotches and its skin has a finely granular texture. A distinctive irregular darker brown band starts behind the eyes and continues down the back, while a dark stripe on its head begins in front of the nostril and extends through the eye to the eardrum (tympanum).
The arms and legs are also marked with 7-8 narrow dark bars, giving the frog its common name.
The eyes of the Fleay's barred frog are particularly striking, with the top third of the iris being silvery to pale blue and the bottom two-thirds brown. The upper lip is spotted with brown, while its lower lip and belly are smooth and pale yellow or white.
Unlike other frog species, their toes are only three-quarters webbed, aiding in their movement through rainforest habitats.
Behaviours
Fleay’s barred frog is primarily terrestrial, often found in leaf litter near water bodies where it breeds. During the breeding season, males call from the edges of streams or from within the water to attract females. The call is a series of short, repeated notes.
They primarily feed on insects, spiders, and other small arthropods. These frogs are nocturnal hunters, actively seeking out their prey during the night. As tadpoles however, they primarily consume detritus and plant material found in their aquatic habitats. This diverse diet helps support their growth and development in the wild.
Fun fact: Despite its declining numbers, Fleay’s barred frog plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as both a predator and prey. Its presence indicates a healthy, functioning environment.
Reproduction
Breeding occurs in the warmer months, with females laying eggs in shallow water. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which undergo metamorphosis into juvenile frogs over several months. The tadpoles are adapted to slow-moving or still water, where they feed on algae and detritus.
Conservation efforts
Efforts to conserve Fleay’s barred frog include habitat protection and restoration, control of invasive species, and research into disease management. Conservationists are also working to raise public awareness about the frog’s plight and the importance of preserving its natural habitat.
A connected rainforest habitat is important to the protection of species like the Fleay's barred frog. Find out how we're working to achieve that.