Jervis Bay Tree Frog

Jervis Bay Tree Frog
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Hylidae
Genus:	Litoria
Species:	L. jervisiensis
Binomial name
Litoria jervisiensis Duméril & Bibron, 1841
Distribution of the Jervis Bay Tree Frog

Litoria jervisiensis, commonly known as the Jervis Bay Tree Frog or Curry Frog in reference to the odour this frog produces, is a species of Australian frog associated with Wallum swampland along the east coast of New South Wales; ranging from the Queensland border to eastern Victoria.

Physical description

This is a moderately large species of tree frog, up to 55 mm in length. It is normally brown in dorsal colour and has a large double band on the back starting from between the eyes and down to the vent: this band may be indistinct in some specimens. It has a dark band starting at the snout and ending at the base of the arms. The armpits are coloured yellow and the thighs red-orange. The iris is golden-brown in colour. Toe discs are large and the toes are webbed.

Ecology and behaviour

This species of frog is strongly associated with coastal swamps, particularly wallum swampland. Males call in the cooler months, normally after rain. The call is a three noted "weep-weep-weep". Breeding tends to take place in larger, permanent water-bodies.

Until 1994, this species was believed to be the same as the Heath Frog, Litoria littlejohni. The Heath Frog is larger in size and has orange instead of yellow in the armpits.

References

• Lemckert et al. (2004). Litoria jervisiensis. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and a brief justification of why this species is of least concern
• Anstis, M. 2002. Tadpoles of South-eastern Australia. Reed New Holland: Sydney.
• Robinson, M. 2002. A Field Guide to Frogs of Australia. Australian Museum/Reed New Holland: Sydney.
• Frogs Australia Network – frog call sound clip available here.
• Frogs of Australia