Design of a movement corridor for the Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea at Sydney Olympic Park

In 2005 the Sydney Olympic Park Authority proposed a development involving the adaptive re-use of the Newington Armory Wharf, on the southern bank of the Parramatta River. The development site was located between areas of known habitat for the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea. The development proposal included features that might reduce the potential for L. aurea movement between these habitats, including the construction of a road to the wharf, a car park south of the wharf and the replacement of some areas of tall native grass with mown turf to create a picnic area overlooking the river.

A site assessment, a review of published and unpublished literature, and an examination of data collected at Sydney Olympic Park regarding movements and colonisation of constructed habitat by L. aurea were carried out. Features that may assist the dispersal of the frog between the known habitat areas were subsequently incorporated into the development along two “habitat corridors”. These features included six ponds of varying dimensions and measures to promote areas of open grassland. A need for research and publication of data regarding movement and dispersal in this species was identified.