Home › Amphibia › Myobatrachidae › Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne corroboree)
SPECIES PROFILE
Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne corroboree)
Pseudophryne
IUCN STATUS
Critically Endangered
CONSERVATION STATUS
Critically Endangered
CLASS
Amphibia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Snowy Mountains, NSW, ACT; Kosciuszko, Namadgi NPs
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Alpine bogs, sphagnum moss, grassy areas near pools
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Amphibia
ORDER
Anura
FAMILY
Myobatrachidae
GENUS
Pseudophryne
📋 Description
SIZE
2.5-3 cm in length; 2-5 grams
COLORATION
Striking black with yellow/green stripes; subspecies vary
ADAPTATIONS
Toxic skin secretions for defense, slow movements for alpine life
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Alpine bogs, sphagnum moss, grassy areas near pools
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Snowy Mountains, NSW, ACT; Kosciuszko, Namadgi NPs
REPRODUCTION
Lays 10-40 eggs in terrestrial nests, tadpoles 6-8 months
DIET DETAILS
Eats small invertebrates like ants, beetles, mites
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Chytrid fungus, climate change, drought
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Toxic Guardians: Corroboree frogs secrete alkaloids, deterring predators in Kosciuszko’s bogs, their 3 cm bodies a rare toxic marvel. With 200 left, Taronga Zoo’s breeding fights chytrid fungus, which killed 90% since the 1980s, saving this alpine icon.
2
Cultural Emblems: Named for Indigenous corroboree gatherings, their stripes mimic ceremonial paint, inspiring conservation in Namadgi’s wetlands. Consuming 20 mites daily, their slow hops reflect an alpine niche, threatened by warming reducing bog habitats.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Kosciuszko National Park in New South Wales offers Kiandra and Yarrangobilly Caves guided tours for frog sightings
Namadgi National Park in Australian Capital Territory features Ginini Flats for rare frog sightings
Taronga Zoo in New South Wales Sydney has a captive breeding program for frog sightings
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
December-February. Summer breeding season makes frogs active in alpine bogs for mating.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Join guided tours to spot frogs calling in shallow pools.
