Common mist frog

Description

It is a moderately sized frog, reaching a length of 3.8 cm (1.5 in). It is a slender frog, with long arms and legs, fully webbed feet, and partly webbed hands. The hands and feet have large toe pads, wider than the fingers. The dorsal surface is a dull brown or slate, with a dark patch running from between the eyes and fading at the middle of the back. The shape of the nose is sharp, and the eyes are large. The dorsal surface is a cream colour.

Ecology and behaviour

It inhabits the riparian zone of fast-flowing streams in rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests of eastern tropical North Queensland. Males call from the edge of the streams, between rocks, or in overhanging vegetation to attract mates. The call is a long "wreek". Breeding occurs throughout the year, with peak calling occurring between November and March. About 46-63 eggs are laid beneath rocks, to prevent them from being washed away with the stream. The tadpoles are stream-dwellers, and have suctorial mouth parts to allow them to survive in fast-flowing water.

Large population decreases have occurred in areas above 400 m (1500 ft) above sea level, with many populations completely wiped out. This first occurred around 1989, south of the Daintree River, but was replicated in the highlands north of the Daintree River in 1993.

Conservation status

It is listed as Endangered under both the IUCN Red List and Queensland's Nature Conservation Act 1992.