Identification
The Baw Baw Frog, Philoria frosti, is a dark brown frog with lighter blotches It has a prominent parotoid gland on each shoulder. Total length to around 45 mm.
Baw Baw Frog
Photographer: Peter Robertson. Source: Wildlife Profiles Pty. Ltd.
Distribution and habitat
The Baw Baw Frog is restricted to the Mt. Baw Baw region, where it lives below the tree line, although until fairly recently it was common in the sphagnum bogs on the plateau, where it could be located among the roots of heath growing in the sphagnum, or under logs.
Biology
Diet consists of small invertebrates. Females lay up to 180 eggs in a foam nest. Tadpoles, which are not free swimming, feed on their large yolk sacs.
Further Reading
Barker, J., Grigg, G. and Tyler, M. J. 1995. A Field Guide to Australian Frogs. Surrey Beatty & Sons, Sydney.
Cogger, H. 2000. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Books, Sydney.
Hero, J. M., Littlejohn, M. & Marantelli, G. 1991. Frogwatch Field Guide to Victorian Frogs. Department of Conservation and Environment, East Melbourne.
Tyler, M. J. 1992. Encyclopaedia of Australian Animals: Frogs. Angus & Robertson, Sydney.