Southern Toadlet Research:

The Southern Toadlet (Pseudophryne semimarmorata) is a frog once widely distributed across south-west Victoria. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it has undergone a decline since the 1970's, and it is currently listed as 'vulnerable' in Victoria. The Smooth Frogs (Geocrinia victoriana and G. laevis) broadly overlap with P. semimarmorata in western Victoria, are ecologically similar, have a very similar life history, but do not appear to have undergone a decline.

This research project is being undertaken by Latrobe University and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) with the aim to: 

1. Determine the past and present distributions of the Southern Toadlet in south-west Victoria in order to establish its status in the region
2. Identify some of the factors (habitat and microhabitat characteristics) that have influenced the past and present distributions of the Southern Toadlet, the Eastern Smooth Frog and the Smooth Frog
3. Determine if recent drought conditions and/or disease (chytrid fungus) is/are responsible for the decline of the Southern Toadlet.

This Project has now reached conclusion. The results proved that the Southern Toadlet has undergone severe declines in south west Victoria with this species being d at only two of the 17 surveyed historic locations. These declines appear to have been caused by a combination of habitat loss and Chytrid fungus, a fatal infection that was detected at some of the sites. Further information is required on these populations and others across south west Victoria in order to determine the exact degree of decline and what needs to be done to conserve this species. 

If you have any information on the past or current distribution of this species or would like some more information please feel free to contact Yonie either via phone: 0421733376 or email: yjtiljak@students.latrobe.edu.au.

Frog identification sheets and frog call CDs are now available at the HDLN resource centre.