The reappearance of Taudactylus (Anura: Myobatrachidae) in north Queensland streams

Abstract

Seven species of frog are currently considered to be missing from the eastern seaboard of Queensland, Australia. Two species of these missing frogs were rediscovered in streams in the wet tropics of north Queensland in November 1996. One individual of Taudactylus acutirostris was observed calling in a small tributary of the South Johnstone River, five individuals of T. rheophilus were heard calling in a small, high altitude tributary of the Mulgrave River, and a further seven individuals of T. rheophilus were heard calling and one captured, in a small, high altitude tributary of the Mitchell River. Implications for the declining frog phenomenon are raised and the need for continued monitoring is emphasized.