An east coast beauty that needs our help.
NSW Conservation Status: Endangered
Commonwealth Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Originally one of the most common frogs on the New South Wates east coast, these rather attractive amphibians are now only found in the wild in about 40 locations. Originally distributed from northern NSW all the way down into Victoria, inland as far as Bathurst and in and around the ACT, the Green and Golden Bell Frog is now only found in isolated populations including some areas of the Mid North Coast as well as the Shoalhaven and Sydney.
What do they look like?
The Green and Golden Bell frog is a relatively large, stout frog with a body length ranging from 4.5 cm through to 10 cm. The colour on the back can vary but is usually a vivid green with patches of brassy brown or gold. Some frogs can be dominantly green while others may have a majority of the golden-brown markings. A gold or cream coloured stripe above a narrow dark brown stripe is found along the frog’s side, running from its eye to thigh, and a blue or turquoise colour can be found on the inside of the thigh.
What do theysound like?
Listen to the call of the Green and Golden Bell Frog in this YouTube clip captured by Lance Jurd. The males tend to be the most vocal and the call is heard more often following periods of heavy rain.
Distribution
This map highlights the regions where the species is known or predicted to occur. However, they may be restricted to certain habitable areas within the region. A recent monitoring by the Threatened Species Conservancy, of up to 299 wetlands sites across NSW demonstrated that approximately 65% remain occupied with the Green and Golden Bell Frog with the highest occupancy at Crescent Head, Broughton Island and Kooragang Island. The study confirmed the importance of wetland connectivity, along with native and aquatic vegetation to provide viable conditions for communities to establish and thrive.
Habitat and Diet
The Green and Golden Bell Frog prefer habitats that have enough vegetation in and around water such as marshes and alongside dams, creeks, lakes. Ideally the water body is unshaded and free of predatory fish, with grassed areas and aquatic plants to provide shelter when needed.
Their diet consists primarily of insects including crickets, locusts, flies and moths. They have even been known to eat larger prey such as worms.
Under Threat
There are many threats to the Green and Golden Bell Frog including urbanisation, land clearing, changes to water flow, as well as diseases like chytrid fungus, predation by fish such as the Plague Monnow, herbicides and chemical weed control measure and many more. For a full list of threats and what can be done to help protect them, visit the NSW Threatened Species website.
The video below provides a great overview of the plight of the Green and Golden Bell Frog and efforts that are being made by Aussie Ark in captive breeding of the species. The video provides some great imagery and fantastic facts!
What can you do?
Listen, don’t touch: Frogs are protected, and their habitats are fragile. Enjoy their calls, but avoid disturbing swamp areas.
Support wetland conservation: Avoid using herbicides or dumping green waste near wet areas, and maintain natural vegetation buffers around waterways if you live near predicated habitat. Report any suspected illegal clearing to Council or the NSW Environment Line (131 555). You can also consider joining a local bushcare or Landcare group that works in and around coastal swamplands.
Use FrogID: Record frog calls with FrogID. This app is tailored for frog conservation — your audio submissions are verified by experts and used in national monitoring efforts. Learn more about FrogID week and how to record frog observations.
Log sightings on iNaturalist: If you spot a Green and Golden Bell Frog upload a photo to iNaturalist. It’s ideal for visual records and broader monitoring.
References:
Australian Geographic. (n.d.). Fact file: Green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea). Australian Geographic. https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/
Australian Reptile Park. (n.d.). Green & golden bell frog. Australian Reptile Park. https://reptilepark.com.au/
Aussie Ark. (n.d.). Don’t worry… Be hoppy: Green & golden bell frogs thrive at Aussie Ark. Aussie Ark. https://www.aussieark.org.au/
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. (n.d.). Green and golden bell frog. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
Office of Environment & Heritage. (n.d.). Green and golden bell frog – profile. NSW Environment, Energy and Science. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/
