The Green tree frog, Litoria caerulea has a distribution range from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, New south Wales and South Australia, and is being risk assessed by the Department.
The Green tree frog is not considered a pest species within its range, but it frequently arrives outside of this range including Tasmania, in shipments of fresh produce.
As a key component of risk assessment for import into Tasmania, conventional climate modelling was applied to compare the state’s environment with the species’ natural range CLIMATCH revealed “low” potential for suitable habitat across the entire state.
The risk assessment determined the Green tree frog as not dangerous to humans, having a moderate establishment risk and with a high consequence of establishment. It was therefore proposed the species be assigned to a serious threat category.
Following the initial risk assessment, the Department will consider permitting the importation of animals assessed as ‘serious risk’ into the State as long as appropriate mitigation measures, enforced through a wildlife exhibition licence, can be identified and applied.
Mitigation options to reduce the risk associated with keeping Australian Green tree frog could include:
Limit possession to registered wildlife parks or zoos to ensure that holding facilities meet the stringent keeping standards that apply to all such institutions in Tasmania;
Require any wildlife park or zoo to submit a Green tree frog Species Management Plan (including enclosure details) prior to receiving individuals; and
Require wildlife exhibition facility licence holders to clearly demonstrate that they have proficient keepers for the species.
Green Tree Frog Risk Assessment (PDF 144Kb)