South West NRM are working on two projects designed to grow the diminishing populations of the near-extinct white-bellied frog. The drying conditions caused by climate change in south west Western Australia have led to a drastic contraction of the frog’s habitat and a reduction in frog numbers, leading to their listing as critically endangered under the federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
Funded by an Australian Government’s Saving Native Species grant, South West NRM is working with the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to monitor two sites, and compare them to an artificially rehydrated third site designed to maintain moisture in the shallow soil layers where the frogs live.
The second project, funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust, involves identifying new habitats for white-bellied frogs and testing suitability for potential translocation of new populations bred by Perth Zoo.
