New species of Whirring Tree Frogs discovered in Eungella, Atherton Tablelands

Researchers have discovered two new amphibian species in North Queensland, one near the site of a since-cancelled major energy project.

Atherton Tablelands Whirring Treefrog (Litoria corbeni). Picture: Conrad Hoskin

Two new species of frog have been discovered in North Queensland, with one of them already named ‘critically endangered’.

James Cook University, the University of Newcastle and the South Australian Museum worked together to work out what they thought was one species was in fact three.

The Eungella Whirring Treefrog was found on the top of the Eungella plateau, and the Atherton Tablelands Whirring Treefrog found in the mountains southwest of Cairns, the researchers note.

Eungella, a national park west of Mackay is a hotbed for unique species like the Eungella spiny cray and Eungella honeyeater.

Plans to build a pumped hydro facility nearby were fiercely opposed by local groups including Save Eungella concerned about protecting local wildlife, including the platypus.

Eungella Whirring Treefrog (Litoria eungellensis), a new species of frog was identified in Eungella, near Mackay in Queensland. Picture: Stephen Mahony

Now a new species has been discovered.

JCU Associate Professor Conrad Hoskin said both Whirring tree frogs need to be protected.

Mandy Tenant from Crediton, a leader in the Save Eungella movement, shared her concerns with then-premier Steven Miles on April 2, 2024. Photo: Fergus Gregg

“The Eungella species, in particular, has a tiny distribution with very little elevational space and is certainly under threat.”

“These beautiful frog species are now pinned to the tops of some of Queensland’s highest mountain areas and are under serious threat from climate change,” he said.

“In the paper, we suggest that the Atherton Tablelands species should be nominated for endangered and the Eungella even a higher level, which is critically endangered.”

Both frogs are a yellowish-brown colour, with flashy orange markings and black spots on their legs.

They were previously assumed to represent a more widespread species in southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales, according to the researchers.

Mr Hoskin said that meant the significance of the northern populations was missed.

“They are hidden away, lumped in another species, and that means you don’t recognise that Eungella and the Wet Tropics each have yet another highly localised species.

“And also, most importantly, you don’t recognise them for conservation when they are contained within another species name. Now that they are named, we can assess their conservation status and needs.”

Originally published as New species of Whirring Tree Frogs discovered in Eungella, Atherton Tablelands