Taudactylus rheophilus


Northern Tinker Frog

Photos

  • Taudactylus rheophilus
    Photo: Hal Cogger

Distribution

Distribution map for Taudactylus rheophilus
Formerly found from Thornton Peak to Bellenden Ker Range in QLD, but has likely become extinct due to the amphibian chytrid fungus. It has not been seen since 2000.

Conservation Status

What does it mean?

Federal Conservation Status (EPBC Act)

Critically Endangered

IUCN Red List

Critically Endangered

Photos

  • Taudactylus rheophilus
    Photo: Hal Cogger

Calling Period

Species Information

Description

A small species of frog reaching up to 3 cm in body length. It has a dark brown, yellow-brown, or brown back. The side is dark brown or black from behind the eye to the groin. There is a dark horizontal marking between the eyes. There is sometimes a cream-coloured vein-like pattern on the side and back. The belly is white or brown, with cream-coloured spots. The pupil is horizontal, and the iris is gold. The legs and arms have brown horizontal bars. Fingers and toes are unwebbed, both with small discs.

Habitats

Occurs near fast flowing streams in rainforest.

Breeding Biology

Eggs have not been described, but are likely laid as a small, loose cluster under rocks in stream pools as they are in other Taudactylus species. Tadpoles have not been described, but are likely to be similar to other Taudactylus species in colour, habit, and development time. It is unknown how long they take to develop into frogs. Breeding season is unknown, but is possibly during spring to summer.

Similar Species

Looks similar to Taudactylus acutirostris in its former distribution, but lacks a pointed snout.