Limnodynastidae

Confusion exists between this species & L. tasmaniensis, although technically, the two species do not overlap geographically. It was thought, however, that an artificial population of L. tasmaniensis did exist in the Kunanurra region.

So far known from seasonally flooded areas and black-soil fringes of the Keep & Ord River catchments

Known from only one specimen from a site flooded by Lake Argyle. Status and biology unknown. Recent discovery of populations (1997) in Keep River National park in the NT by naturalist Ian Morris. "When I traced the source of the calls late at night with a directional microphone, I found a colony of breeding males on the edge of a black-soil billabong. Each male was calling from a small, water-filled hole, some of which contained egg-masses & tadpoles." A pair was captured & sent to Adelaide University for confirmation.

Breeding activity begins with the first storms of the wet season. As the rainwater fills the billabongs the frogs migrate to the edge & form colonies. Tadpoles which hatch in the small pools (possibly constructed by the males) are carried by the rising water level into the grassy fringes where the metamorphose. Grant Husband, of the Territory Wildlife Park, has recently succeeded in breeding this species in captivity.

Keep River National Park