The Slender tree frog is a small species reaching a maximum size of approximately 4.5 cm. It's colour can vary widely from bright green to more of a pale fawn/tan (like the ones pictured above and at the end of the article). The species is quite widespread within the south-west of WA and can be found in a range of habitats including urban gardens (the top image was taken in our native garden).
The Slender tree frog's scientific name is Litoria adelaidensis, yet despite its specific name it is found in the south-west of Western Australia near Perth. The Museum of WA website describes its etymology as "Named in error after Adelaide, South Australia, where this species does not occur." In fact, it is ONLY found in the south-west of Western Australia and has no close relatives anywhere in Australia. It is thought to descend from an ancient lineage when Australia was far wetter than our current climate. So luckily for us here in Perth we have this amazing species right on our door step ... unlucky Adelaide. The species is classed as "insectivorous" but also feed on spiders & worms. We regularly have resident slender tree frogs in our veggie patch (see images at the bottom) and think they could be the reason behind our successful harvest. We use no chemicals/pesticides on our veggies, yet never have a problem with pest insects. Although I haven't actually witnessed any predation of insects by the frogs in our veggie patch, they have certainly made a home for themselves and it seems a logical conclusion. The species is listed as Least Concern under the IUCN Redlist and although widespread it still faces threats. One major threat facing the species is the chytrid fungus which was detected in the species at Lake Gwelup. The chytrid fungus has been implicated in widespread extinctions and die-offs of frogs across the globe, with the first frogs dying from the disease in Australia discovered in 1993. The fungus invades the surface of the frogs skin resulting in loss of electrolytes and impacting its osmotic balance. The fungus has already been implicated in the extinction of four species in Australia, however, further research is needed into the remaining species including the Slender tree frog to better understand how the disease is impacting populations and how to potentially cure the disease. Further reading:
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AuthorMy name is Garry and I am extremely passionate about the environment. I have completed my BSc. Conservation and Wildlife Biology with First Class Honours and have worked in the Environment sector since 2009. Archives
September 2019
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Photos used under Creative Commons from sean.kelleher1, BioDivLibrary, BioDivLibrary