The complex consists of the green and golden bell frog ( R. This complex is scattered throughout Australia: three species occur in south-east Australia, one in northern Australia, and two in Southwest Australia. The species is now classified within the Ranoidea aurea complex, a closely related group of frogs in the genus Ranoidea. The specific epithet aurea derived from the Latin aureus for 'golden'. The green and golden bell frog was first described as Rana aurea by Lesson in 1827 and has changed classification many times. ![]() The overall body shape is similar to many Rana species. There are many physical similarities, including a pointy snout, long legs, and almost complete toe webbing. Ranoidea aurea (left) was first classed as a species of the genus Rana (right). However, even in these areas the population of green and golden bell has been rapidly declining in the past few decades. Despite the situation in Australia, some frog populations have survived with more success in New Zealand and several other Pacific islands, where it has been introduced. As most of the remaining populations live on private land, the logistics of the conservation effort can be complicated. Its numbers have continued to fall and are threatened by habitat loss and degradation, pollution, introduced species, and parasites and pathogens, including the chytrid Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Though once one of the most common frogs in south-east Australia, the green and golden bell frog has endured major population declines, particularly in highland areas, leading to its current classification as globally endangered. Many populations, particularly in the Sydney region, inhabit areas of infrequent disturbance, such as golf courses, disused industrial land, brick pits, and landfill areas. The frogs can engage in cannibalism, and males frequently attack and injure one another if they infringe on one another's space. ![]() Males reach maturity after around 9 months, while for the larger females, this does not occur until they are two years old. They tend to be less active in winter except in warmer or wetter periods, and breed in the warmer months. They are mainly diurnal, although this is mostly to warm in the sun. It can reach up to 11 cm (4.5 in) in length, making it one of Australia's largest frogs.Ĭoloured gold and green, the frogs are voracious eaters of insects, but will also eat larger prey, such as worms and mice. Despite its classification and climbing abilities, it does not live in trees and spends almost all of its time close to ground level. The green and golden bell frog ( Ranoidea aurea), also named the green bell frog, green and golden swamp frog and green frog, is a species of ground-dwelling tree frog native to eastern Australia.
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