Flaviemys purvisi
Very Well-Known Member
Jon Ovan
AUGUST 27 2018
An introduced species of cannibalistic frog – Spotted-Thighed Frog – could establish a breeding population in Port Lincoln as the frog has been sited at least four times in the city in as many years.
Researcher Christine Taylor said the Spotted-Thighed Frog (Litoria cyclorhyncha), which is native to southern parts of Western Australia, was likely introduced in South Australia by people travelling across the Nullarbor who had “stow-away” frogs in their vehicles, or was purposely introduced.
The frogs eat many types of invertebrates including spiders, beetles and other types of insects, slaters and centipedes – it also eats its own young frogs, lizards and one has even been discovered digesting a juvenile mouse.
“Therefore the spotted-thighed frog could impact on other species of frogs or other animals by predation and competition for food and space,” Ms Taylor said.
The frogs have established a breeding population in Streaky Bay of about 1000 individuals, and Ms Taylor said there was a possibility there could be a breeding population already in Port Lincoln.
She said only two frogs – a male and female – were needed to start a breeding colony in an area.
"They may not establish new populations very easily as they would need...suitable environmental conditions to breed,” Ms Taylor said.
“Our species distribution model suggests there are suitable environmental conditions for the frog to survive in areas on Lower Eyre Peninsula.”
Ms Taylor said she recommended people refrain from moving the frogs around and that management strategies needed to be put in place.
