The Booroolong Frog, an endangered species under both NSW and Commonwealth legislation, is showing promising signs of recovery in the Central Tablelands, with recent monitoring recording an increase in population numbers.

As part of the NSW Government’s 10-year Saving Our Species Program, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Hume Forests, Central Tablelands Local Land Services, and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water have been working together to monitor and rehabilitate streams in plantation forests near Oberon.

Forestry Corporation’s Community Programs Coordinator, Nikki Bennetts, said the latest survey results have delivered encouraging news.

“The most recent monitoring program in the Captain Kings area identified 49 Booroolong frogs—an impressive increase from only 17 recorded in 2022, and matching the highest ever recorded count in 2020,” Ms Bennetts said. “This is all the more encouraging after the population declined during the previous drought”.

Populations of the small tree frog, which grows up to 5cm and has a distinctive soft, purring call, occur in permanent creeks and rock crevices within the Essington State Forest.

“Together with Local Land Services, we’ve been working to clear invasive species such as willows, blackberry, and weeds around creek lines to restore native vegetation and encourage frog populations. It’s exciting to see the numbers improve in response to these conservation efforts,” Ms Bennetts said.

This work is part of a broader 10-year conservation initiative, funded by the Saving Our Species program through the NSW Environmental Trust, aimed at protecting the Booroolong Frog and other threatened stream species.

The Booroolong Frog’s body colour ranges from grey, olive, or brown with indistinct black markings, and its abdomen is white. Its well-developed toe discs and strong webbing aid in its survival within aquatic environments, while it’s most recognized by its characteristic ‘craww craww craww’ call.

For more information about the Booroolong Frog visit Booroolong Frog - profile | NSW Environment, Energy and Science