Editing Corroboree frog

{{Short description|Name for two species of amphibian}}
{{split|Southern corroboree frog|Northern corroboree frog|date=November 2020|discuss=Talk:Corroboree frog#Proposed split?}}
{{use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{use Australian English|date=March 2022}}
{{Automatic taxobox
| image = CorroboreeFrog.jpg
| image_caption = Southern corroboree frog (''Pseudophryne corroboree'')
| status = CR
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 9 December 2022">{{cite iucn |author=IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group |date=2022 |title=''Pseudophryne bibronii'' |volume=2022 |page=e.T41050A78435819 |url=https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41050/78435819 |access-date=25 December 2022}}</ref>
| taxon = Pseudophryne
| authority =  Fitzinger, 1843
| range_map = Corooboree_Frog_range.PNG
| range_map_caption = Distribution of ''P. corroboree'' in blue, ''P. pengilleyi'' in red, in [[New South Wales]]
}}
'''Corroboree frogs''' ({{IPAc-en|k|ə|ˈ|ɹ|ɒ|b|ə|ɹ|i}} {{respell|kuh-ROB-uh-ree}}) comprise two species of frog native to the [[Southern Tablelands]] of [[New South Wales]] in [[Australia]]. Both species are small, [[poisonous]] ground-dwelling [[frog]]s. The two species are the [[southern corroboree frog]] (''Pseudophryne corroboree'') and the [[northern corroboree frog]] (''Pseudophryne pengilleyi''). They are unique among frogs in that they produce their own poison rather than obtain it from their food source as is the case in every other poisonous frog species.

==Description==
The northern form of the corroboree frog deviates slightly in having narrow yellow to greenish stripes and is slightly smaller.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2010 |title=Northern Corroboree Frog Pseudophryne pengilleyi |url=https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Animals-and-plants/Scientific-Committee/sc-northern-corroboree-frog-pseudophryne-pengilleyi-review-report.pdf |website=NSW SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE}}</ref>

==Distribution==
The corroboree frogs have historically only been found in a few patches across two regions of the [[Australian Capital Territory]] (ACT) and southern [[New South Wales]] (NSW), and these areas have contracted significantly in recent years.<ref name=distribution>{{cite web | title=Historical distribution | website=Corroboree Frog | url=http://www.corroboreefrog.org.au/biology/distribution/ | access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref>

Southern corroboree frogs live at altitudes of {{cvt|1300–1760| m}} above sea level, historically in an area now within [[Kosciuszko National Park]] in the [[Snowy Mountains]] of NSW, from [[Smiggin Holes]] in the south, and northwards to the [[Maragle, New South Wales|Maragle]] Range.<ref name=distribution/>

Northern corroboree frogs live {{cvt|750–1800| m}} above sea level, in three distinct regions, with the frogs displaying three distinct genetic characteristics. These populations live in the following areas: spanning the Fiery Range and Bogong Peaks in Kosciuszko National Park,  the Bondo, Micalong and Wee Jasper State Forests in NSW; along the [[Brindabella Ranges]] in [[Namadgi National Park]] in the ACT; and [[Bimberi Nature Reserve]] and [[Brindabella National Park]] in NSW.<ref name=distribution/>

==Biology==

===Reproduction===

The [[southern corroboree frog]] (''Pseudophryne corroboree'')
is [[Critically Endangered|critically endangered (CR)]]<ref name="CITES-Appendices">{{cite web|title=Appendices {{!}} CITES|url=https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/18582/8484537p|access-date=2022-08-20|website=cites.org}}</ref>
. Sexual maturity of ''P. corroboree'' is reached at four years of age, with one year as an embryo/tadpole and two years as a juvenile/subadult. Adults primarily have only one breeding season. Breeding occurs around December terrestrially near shallow pools, fens, seepages, wet grassland or wet [[heath]]s, where the males build chamber nests within the grasses and moss. Males compete for females via song. Each male will attract up to ten females to his burrow sequentially and may dig a new burrow if his first is filled with eggs.  The female lays up to 38 eggs and the male grasps her and deposits sperm directly onto the eggs.  Tadpoles develop but remain within the protective egg coat until hatching occurs when high ground-water levels after rain cause the nest to become flooded at 4 to 6 months. Tadpole development takes six to eight months. Metamorphosis occurs between December and February.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Osborne |first1=W. S. |last2=Norman |first2=J. A. |title=Conservation Genetics of Corroboree Frogs, ''Pseudophryne corroboree'' Moore (Anura, Myobatrachidae): Population Subdivision and Genetic Divergence |journal=[[Australian Journal of Zoology]] |date=1991 |volume=39 |issue=3 |pages=285–297 |doi=10.1071/ZO9910285}}</ref>

[[Northern corroboree frog]] (''Pseudophryne pengilleyi'')
[[Endangered species (IUCN status)|Endangered (EN)]]
''P. pengilleyi'' prefers to breed in [[sphagnum]] bogs and wet heath in sub-alpine areas and dense patches of herbs in openings or seepages amongst fallen [[tussock grass|tussocks]] at lower elevation ([[bog]] pools at high altitudes above {{cvt|1300|m}} and in shallow seepage pools in gullies at lower altitudes of {{cvt|1000–1400|m}}). Other reproductive details are as for ''P. corroboree''. Both species are restricted to mountain and sub-alpine woodlands, heathlands and grasslands.

Non-breeding habitat for both species occurs in forest, woodland and heath adjacent to breeding sites.

===Diet===
The typical diet of a mature southern corroboree frog includes beetles, mites, ants and insect larvae. However, as tadpoles they also tend to eat algae and other small pieces of organic material found in their pools.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://taronga.org.au/animal/corroboree-frog|title=Southern Corroboree Frog|date=2010-07-10|work=Taronga|access-date=2017-04-25|language=en}}</ref>

===Toxicity===
Corroboree frogs are the first vertebrates discovered that are able to produce their own poisonous [[alkaloid]], as opposed to obtaining it via diet as many other frogs do. The alkaloid is secreted from the skin as a defence against predation, and potentially against skin infections by microbes. It has been described as potentially lethal to mammals if ingested. The unique alkaloid produced has been named [[pseudo-phrynamine]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Daly |first1=J. W. |last2=Garraffo |first2=H. M. |last3=Pannell |first3=L. K. |last4=Spande |first4=T. F. |last5=Severini |first5=C. |last6=Erspamer |first6=V. |title=Alkaloids from Australian Frogs (Myobatrachidae): Pseudophrynamines and Pumiliotoxins |journal=[[Journal of Natural Products]] |date=1990 |volume=53 |issue=2 |pages=407–421 |doi=10.1021/np50068a020|pmid=2380714 |bibcode=1990JNAtP..53..407D }}</ref>

==Behaviour==
Corroboree frogs are quite unusual in their nature. Not only do they not start breeding until four years of age, they also [[Hibernation|hibernate]] during winter under whatever shelter they can find. This may be [[snow gum]] trees, or bits of bark or fallen leaves. Males stay with the egg nests and may breed with many females over the course of one season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Corroboree Frog|website=KidCyber|url=http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/frog_corrob2.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061221183052/http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/frog_corrob2.htm|archive-date=December 21, 2006}}</ref>

==Conservation status==
[[File:Southern corroboree frog breeding facility 01 Taronga 2020-03-13.jpg|thumb|Southern corroboree frog in a breeding facility at [[Taronga Zoo]] ]]

The southern corroboree frog was considered relatively numerous within its very small distribution in the 1970s, as of June 2004 it had an estimated adult population of 64, but suffered declines of up to 80% over the 10 years up to 1989, at which time it was found only within a fragmented region of less than {{cvt|10|km2}} within Kosciuszko National Park.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Osborne |first1=W. S. |title=Distribution, Relative Abundance and Conservation Status of Corroboree Frogs, ''Pseudophrne corroboree'' Moore (Anura, Myobatrachidae) |journal=Australian Wildlife Research |date=1989 |volume=16 |issue=5 |pages=537–547 |doi=10.1071/WR9890537|bibcode=1989WildR..16..537O }}</ref> It has been listed as critically endangered since at least 2004 and is considered to be one of Australia's most endangered species.<ref name=IUCN>{{cite iucn |author=Jean-Marc Hero |author2=Graeme Gillespie |author3=Peter Robertson |author4=Frank Lemckert |year=2004 |title=''Pseudophryne corroboree'' |volume=2004 |page=e.T18582A8484537 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T18582A8484537.en |access-date=26 April 2023}}</ref> There are fewer than 30 individuals left in the wild {{as of|lc=yes|March 2022}}.<ref name="Proust 2022">{{cite web | last=Proust | first=Keira | title=Critically endangered southern corroboree frog conservation efforts ramp up | website=ABC News| publisher= [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | date=14 March 2022 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-14/southern-corroboree-frogs-released-in-kosciuszko-national-park/100906238 | access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref>

The northern corroboree frog has not suffered as badly as the southern. It is more widely distributed across about {{cvt|550|km2}} of the Brindabella and Fiery Ranges in [[Namadgi National Park]] in the ACT, and [[Kosciuszko National Park]] and [[Buccleuch State Forest]] in NSW. In 2004 it was downgraded from an IUCN assessment of critically endangered to endangered, though in 2022 this decision was reverted .<ref name=IUCN2>{{cite iucn |author=Jean-Marc Hero |author2=Graeme Gillespie |author3=Peter Robertson |author4=Frank Lemckert |author5=Murray Littlejohn |year=2004 |title=''Pseudophryne pengilleyi'' |volume=2004 |page=e.T41050A10394348 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T41050A10394348.en |access-date=26 April 2023}}</ref>

===Cause for decline===
The main threats to the survival of the frogs are thought to be infection with the [[chytrid]] fungus and [[bushfire]]s.<ref name="Proust 2022"/>

Severe [[bushfires]] in the Victorian and NSW high country in January 2003 destroyed much of the frogs' remaining habitat, especially the breeding sites and the leaf litter that insulates overwintering adults. The fire affected almost all southern corroboree frog habitat, although later surveys showed that the fire resulted in a lower than expected decline in population.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Worboys |first=Graeme |date=1 August 2003 |title=A Brief Report on the 2003 Australian Alps Bushfires |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1659/0276-4741(2003)023[0294:abrota]2.0.co;2 |journal=Mountain Research and Development |volume=23 |issue=3 |pages=294–295 |doi=10.1659/0276-4741(2003)023[0294:abrota]2.0.co;2 |issn=0276-4741}}</ref>

The [[2019–2020 bushfires in Australia]] destroyed a significant portion of Kosciusko National Park, and killed two-thirds of the southern corroboree frogs contained in specially designed disease-free enclosures built by conservationists.<ref name="Proust 2022"/>

Other threats to the southern species include residential and commercial development (including [[ski resort]]s); [[climate change]] (causing [[drought]] and fires); and [[pollution]].<ref name=IUCN/>

Other causes such as [[habitat destruction]] from recreational [[4WD]] use; [[Invasive species in Australia|feral animals]]; degradation of the frogs' habitat; and increased UV radiation flowing from [[ozone layer]] depletion.{{fact|date=May 2022}} The drought affects these frogs by drying out their breeding sites so that the breeding cycle, which is triggered by seasonal changes and may require moistening of the bogs in autumn and spring to bring on specific developmental events, is delayed. This may mean that tadpoles have not [[metamorphosis (biology)|metamorphosed]] by late summer when their bogs dry out, and so perish.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

===Conservation efforts===
The Amphibian Research Centre had already begun a rescue programme under which eggs were collected and raised to late tadpole stage before return as close as possible to their collection site.  Research is now under way into [[captive breeding]] and on which life cycle stage – eggs, tadpoles or adults – promises the best chance of survival following return to the wild.  The national parks authorities in the ACT, NSW and [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] have developed conservation programmes, including a captive [[husbandry]] programme at [[Tidbinbilla]], ACT; [[Taronga Zoo]] in Sydney; and at [[Healesville Sanctuary]], by [[Zoos Victoria]].{{cn|date=March 2022}}

Conservationists have stepped up efforts to increase the population of the southern corroboree frog since the 2019–20 bushfires. In March 2022, 100 frogs were released into the park as part of a joint breeding program between Taronga Zoo, Zoos Victoria, the [[NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service]] and the [[NSW Government]]'s "Saving our Species" program. At this time there are five enclosures for the frogs, with the newest one built to better withstand the effect of fire.<ref name="Proust 2022"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikispecies|Pseudophryne corroboree}}
{{Wikispecies|Pseudophryne pengilleyi}}
* [https://frogs.org.au/frogs/species/Pseudophryne/corroboree/ Southern Corroboree Frog] (Frogs of Australia)
* [https://www.zoo.org.au/fighting-extinction/local-threatened-species/southern-corroboree-frog Southern corroboree frog] (Zoos Victoria)
* [https://www.tidbinbilla.act.gov.au/wildlife/northern-corroboree-frog Northern corroboree frog] (Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve)
* [https://frogs.org.au/corroboree/ Project Corroboree homepage] (Amphibian Research Centre)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060904165852/http://www.cap.nsw.edu.au/collies_clicks/fauna/CorroboreeFrog/corroboree_frog.htm Corroboree frog] (Includes a good picture of frogs' underbellies)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060428201303/http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/PDFs/approved_Southern_Corroboree_Frog.pdf Recovery Plan for the Southern Corroboree Frog] NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, July 2001 
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060428201538/http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/PDFs/tsprofile_southern_corroboree_frog.pdf Southern Corroboree Frog] (Threatened Species Profile) NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, 1999

{{Taxonbar|from=Q2296149}}

[[Category:Amphibian common names]]
[[Category:Amphibians of New South Wales]]
[[Category:Amphibians of Victoria (state)]]
[[Category:Amphibians described in 1953]]
[[Category:Frogs of Australia]]
[[Category:Pseudophryne]]