Information sheet: The Southern Bell Frog
Southern Bell Frog
Southern Bell Frog
The Southern Bell Frog (scientific name litoria reniformis) is listed as an endangered species by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Southern Bell Frogs often live in rice bays, especially in the Coleambally Irrigation Area where they breed during the summer. For the remainder of the year, the frog can be found in irrigation canals, dams and small pools of still water on rice farms, enjoying both the natural and non–natural wetland habitats. Indeed, rice farms have created an artificial wetland that the frogs enjoy. It is believed that this has assisted in the total preservation of the species.

The Southern Bell Frog feeds mainly on insects, but also eats other small frogs. The female Southern Bell Frog can be up to twice the size of a male frog. They lay tiny black eggs which evolve into big tadpoles.

Threats to the Southern Bell Frog include birds, the cold weather, water quality, herbicides, drought, Mosquito fish and habitat destruction.

Until the 1980s, Southern Bell Frogs were plentiful throughout the wetland habitats of south–eastern Australia. The reason for their decline since then is not fully understood.

Research about the Southern Bell Frog is currently being undertaken. The research aims to:

  • learn more about the Southern Bell Frog
  • establish the extent of the decline of the Southern Bell Frog
  • identify strategies and management for the maintenance and conservation of the frog.

The preservation of the species is very important for the biodiversity of the environment in the rice growing region. The Rice Growers' Association has developed a plan to ensure that the biodiversity of the environment remains in the rice growing areas as much as possible. This plan is part of the Rice Environmental Policy which specifically focuses on rice production. The policy provides strategies and actions for the rice industry, including rice farmers, to identify and meet environmental challenges and implement appropriate change.

Further Internet resources:

Southern Bell Frogs at Charles Sturt University
Southern Bell Frogs at Rice portal
Action plan – southern bell frog recovery at Department of Environment and Heritage
Online resources
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