Animal Fact Sheets
Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea)

Photo: Taronga Zoo Education Department

Everyone knows a story about frogs, whether it is the frog prince or just good old Kermit, but more importantly frogs tell the story of our environment - lots of frogs indicates a healthy ecosystem. Nearly one third of all known Australian frogs are in varying stages of decline. A member of this troubled troop is the Green and Golden Bell Frog.

The Green and Golden Bell Frog is olive to emerald green in colour. It has irregular blotches of brown or golden bronze on its body. The fingers of the frogs front feet are not webbed which enables it to be an excellent climber, while the back feet are webbed to help it swim. The Green and Golden Bell Frog has a very distinctive croak. It sounds a like a motor cycle changing gears with a slow four-sequence croak. Like other types of frogs it is only the male that croaks and they do this to call a female for breeding. Croaking usually occurs at night.

Breeding and Lifecycle
As they are amphibians, Green and Golden Bell Frogs have three distinct lifecycle stages. They begin as eggs which often look like jelly and are laid in water to ensure they do not dry out. From the eggs hatch tadpoles. They have gills to enable them to live in the water. As time progresses the tadpoles will start to grow legs and their tales will begin to shrink. They are sometimes called froglets at this stage. Once the tail has disappeared they are considered a frog and breathe with lungs. The frog has to live near water to keep it’s skin moist. If the skin dries the frog will die. The Green and Golden Bell Frog will grow to a length of 4-5cm.

Habitat and Distribution
The Green and Golden Bell Frog is found in eastern and south-eastern NSW and far east Victoria. They make their home near or in permanent water. The vegetation on the edge of streams and ponds are this frog’s favourite habitat. Due to their colour patterns they are able to camouflage most efficiently in moist vegetation.

Diet
As a tadpole the Green and Golden Bell Frog mainly feeds on algae and various other plant material. When they develop into a frog, insects become their most common food. They will catch the insects using their fast and sticky tongue. The mosquito and its larvae make up most of this frog’s diet. They are quiet patient hunters and will sit very still and wait for their prey. The Green and Golden Bell Frog has been known to be cannibalistic, eating frogs.

Threats to Survival
The main reason for this frog’s endangerment is habitat destruction. The area of Australia where it is found is heavily populated by people and most of the land has been cleared to make way for buildings and roads. All frogs are very susceptible to changes in their environment as they can absorb oxygen through their skin. Due to this, water pollution has also played a major role in reducing the numbers of this beautiful frog.

	Animal Fact Sheets - Want to learn more about some of Australasia's unique fauna?  Take a look at these fact sheets. Great for school projects!
	Global Amphibian Extinction Crisis - Find out why our frogs are in trouble.
	Regional Education Policy - This policy produced by the education group is a formulation of principles, guidelines and minimum standards for education for the many different sectors involved in zoos, parks and aquaria.
	Education Specialist Advisory Group - An overview of the Zoo and Aquarium Association and education.  Learn about the activities of the Association's Education Specialist Advisory Group.