The Booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis) is an endangered obligate stream-breeding frog that inhabits riffles habitats and is at risk of extinction due to a range of threats including river flow alteration. Flows are thought to support reproduction, juvenile development, food resources and maintain suitable habitats for all life stages. However, to date, there has been no quantitative assessment of this association.
We used frog survey data from NSW BioNet Species Sightings database to investigate if the population changes (i.e. recruitment success) and occupancy for the Booroolong frog was associated with low flow antecedent hydrology of three rivers These flow metrics were compared to hypothesised flow requirements developed for obligate stream breeding frogs to validate the required minimum flows for successful reproduction during critical breeding months.
This study provides crucial information for water management to improve outcomes for the threatened Booroolong frog, We recommend future conservation actions consider the flow requirements of stream frogs in decision making to ensure adequate environmental water is provided to support key life-stages and maintain healthy populations.