Pseudophryne pengilleyi (Northern Corroboree Frog)

<p>There are two species of Corroboree Frogs: Southern Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne corroboree) and Northern Corroboree Frog (P. pengilleyi). Southern Corroboree Frog is found only in a 400&nbsp;km&sup2; patch in the sub alpine regions of southern New South Wales and Victoria. Northern Corroboree Frog found in the Australian Capital Territory and northern adjoining areas of NSW deviates slightly from its cousin in having narrow yellow to greenish stripes and is slightly smaller.</p> <p>Corroboree frogs reach sexual maturity at the age of four or five years.</p> <p>Corroboree frogs are the first vertebrates discovered that are able to produce their own poisonous alkaloids, as opposed to obtaining it via diet as many other frogs do. The alkaloid is secreted from the skin as a defence against predation, and potentially against skin infections by microbes. It has been described as potentially lethal to mammals if ingested.</p> <p>The southern corroboree is recognised as being critically endangered and the northern species is listed as endangered. As with many other Australian frogs, the predominant reason for the corroboree frogs' decline is thought to be infection with the chyrid fungus which is believed to have been accidentally introduced to Australia in the 1970s. The Amphibian Research Centre was the first organisation to develop rescue programme and captive programs have begun. At Tidbinbilla a captive breeding and release program has been in existence for a number of years now.</p> <p>Current conservation status: Critically endangered (Commonwealth)</p> <p>Distribution: Found in the Bogong Mountains, Fiery Range, Brindabella Range and Bimberi Range in ACT and NSW.</p>