Neobatrachus sudellae (Sudell's Frog or Common Spadefoot)

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Current conservation status: Uncommon, but perhaps more common than previously believed, due to secretive nature.

Family: Myobatrachidae

Appearance: They can be distringuished from other frogs of the region by several features. The back of the frog has numerous small, raised wart-like bumps that give it a rough, sandpaper-like appearance. They have a broad pattern of greenish-brown and darker brown blotches and patterns on the back. The pupils of the eyes form vertical slits. There is a prominent black tubercle under each foot. Overall the frog is a small, squat and short-legged species

Length: 35 - 40mm

Breeding: Calling can occur at any time of the year, but only after extensive periods of wet weather.

Habitat: The most terrestrial frog found in the region, spending most of the year sheltering in deep burrows in the soil. Individuals are usually only found active on the ground at night after periods of very heavy rainfall, when the ground is completely soaked.

Distribution: Widespread in the region, occuring to near Jindabyne and Bombala. In ACT found mostly in grasslands below 700 m

Call: A soft, rapidly repeated, lengthy sequence of evenly spaced clucking or soft popping sounds.

Neobatrachus sudellae is listed in the following regions:

Canberra & Southern Tablelands | Albury, Wodonga | Riverina Murray | Loddon Mallee