Breeding habitat use and the future management of the critically endangered Southern Corroboree Frog

Abstract

Summary The Southern Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne corroboree) is one of Australia's most critically endangered frog species. The species occurs entirely within Kosciuszko National Park, which has a history of cattle grazing (up to the 1970s). A consequence of cattle grazing has been a significant reduction in the extent of montane and sub‐alpine peat‐bog systems that the species uses as breeding habitat. Furthermore, climate change and associated increased wildfire frequency is expected to further reduce the extent and quality of peat bogs throughout the Australian Alps. In this study, we investigated habitat selection for breeding pools and nest sites within peat‐bog systems in order to inform the conservation management of the species and guide other management practices being undertaken in peat bogs where this species occurs. Occupancy of breeding males at bog pools was found to be positively associated with increasing pool area, water depth and mid‐day temperature, and negatively associated with extent of bare substrate. The majority of breeding pools identified were ephemeral. Nest sites within vegetation where males call and where females deposit their eggs were located at mid‐elevations in a range of vegetation types, with the majority of nests being within moss and sedge dominated by Sphagnum cristatum and Empodisma minor. We also found that male nest sites were not randomly distributed within the edges of pools, but were more often located in areas of loose vegetation. These results highlight the potential sensitivity of the Southern Corroboree Frog to predicted changes in peat‐bog systems resulting from climate change such as earlier drying and a possible reduction in the size of bog pools. A monitoring programme focused on key features of the breeding habitat should be undertaken to provide a basis for developing and assessing management actions implemented in peat bogs occupied by this species.

Decline of an endangered amphibian during an extreme climatic event

“…Potential nest vegetation types were; grass, sphagnum moss, forbs and leaf litter. Vegetation depth was measured because it may influence the capacity for males to establish nest sites (Hunter et al 2009). …”

Understanding population dynamics of feral horses in the Tuan and Toolara State Forest for successful long-term population management

“…Horses also cause soil erosion near river banks by mechanical breakdown of soil with their hooves NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2007). Horses grazing and trampling in marsh environments have a negative impact on amphibian reproductive cycles (Hunter et al 2009) and reduce the abundance of some fish species (Levin et al 2002). In some national parks, stripping leaves and chewing bark can result in destruction of eucalyptus NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2007).…”

Biodiversity governance and social-ecological system dynamics: transformation in the Australian Alps

“…Though currently found in relatively low numbers at higher altitudes (Pickering et al 2004), this may change as snow cover declines. The damage caused by horses to alpine and subalpine wetlands is similar to that caused by cattle and includes changes in vegetation composition, erosion, and channeling of peat wetlands (Hunter et al 2009). The ACT, NSW, and Victorian park management agencies have prepared control strategies and are implementing associated programs.…”

“…The mountain pygmy-possum, for example, is likely to suffer a contraction in suitable habitat, increased winter mortality, and more competition from low-altitude species (Pickering et al 2004). Climate change may also affect the breeding success of alpine frog species in ephemeral pools because the pools have the potential to dry before the tadpoles reach metamorphosis (Hunter et al 2009). …”