Philoria Frosti-Baw Baw Frog

Threats There has been a 98% decline in Baw Baw Frogs since the 1980s. The reasons for this population crash are not clear, however the two most likely factors are:Chytridiomycosis – an infectious disease caused by chytrid fungus which infects the skin of frogs and other amphibians. Climate change – With climate change, there are likely to be warmer temperatures and decreased rainfall in the Baw Baw Plateau region. This could cause sub-alpine and montane habitats of the Baw Baw Frog to shrink or entirely disappear.

Philoria Frosti- Baw Baw Frog

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Baw Baw Frogs have an unusual life history, and are uniquely adapted to their alpine home. Adult frogs live and feed underground, hunting worms and other invertebrates. During summer, they meet to breed in seepage sites along the edges of gullies. Females make a foam nest underground by beating air bubbles into mucous. The tadpoles hatch 5-8 weeks later at a much earlier stage than most other frog species.

The Baw Baw Frog is a critically endangered species of Australian frog as categorised on the IUCN Red List and listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988).

DescriptionKingdom- AnimaliaPhylum- ChordataClass- AmphibiaOrder- Anura Family- MyobatrachidaeGenus- Philoria

Baw Baw Frogs are found here.

How Can You Help?Reduce your carbon footprint – Switch off your lights, and walk or ride to work. Doing your bit by reducing carbon emissions will help protect alpine species. Wash for Wildlife – Buy phosphate-free laundry detergent and dish-washing detergent. Excessive phosphates from our drainage affect frog habitat by reducing water clarity, oxygen levels and increasing algal blooms. Act Wild - Join the growing number of Wild Activists taking action for local wildlife. "You can get grubby, get creative and find out about local conservation events."

The Baw Baw Frog (Philoria frosti) is only found on the Mt Baw Baw plateau, approximately 120km east of Melbourne.