The research also revealed the new species will likely meet the criteria for listing as critically endangered due to its specific habitat needs and restricted distribution.

Mahony said.Īssets of Intergenerational Significance are areas of exceptional value that warrant special protection and are part of our commitment to zero-extinction within NSW national parks. 'The hip-pocket frog is not only unique for its amazing breeding biology among Australian frogs, but it is also unique among frogs of the world, since there are only four of the 4000 species worldwide that have male parental care where the male carries its developing tadpoles,' Dr. Michael Mahony, one of the researchers who described the species, said it was an exciting find. in consultation with Aboriginal Elders of the Wollumbin Consultative Group. The new species has been named Assa wollumbin sp.nov. The tiny frog population is confined to around 2000 hectares on Wollumbin Mountain (Bundjalung name for Mount Warning) in the Wollumbin National Park, and is within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. 'A conservation action plan will be developed to ensure the survival of this fascinating frog species, which has been living undiscovered high in the cool forest.' 'The small population size makes this frog more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which is why the NSW Government moved quickly to protect its habitat within days of being formally described. 'This incredible discovery shows just how much we don't know about the world around us, with this tiny 16mm frog found on just one isolated mountain in the Wollumbin National Park,' Mr Kean said. Minister for Environment Matt Kean said the NSW Government took immediate action to protect the tiny frogs, declaring their habitat an Asset of Intergenerational Significance under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Researchers from University of Newcastle and the South Australian Museum recently identified the species as distinct from its close relation, another 'hip-pocket' or pouched frog Assa darlingtoni, after genetic analysis.

Frog pocket