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Review of the Threat Abatement Plan
for Infection of Amphibians with
Chytrid Fungus Resulting in
Chytridiomycosis (2006)
July 2012
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1.
Executive summary
The Threat Abatement Plan for Infection of Amphibians with Chytrid Fungus Resulting in
Chytridiomycosis has been reviewed as required under the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The actions that have been undertaken to abate the
threat from the disease as identified through the actions, goals and objectives of the threat
abatement plan have been assessed.
The review found that, while some of the actions had been undertaken and many partially
undertaken (for instance, there are now established protocols for field hygiene procedures),
the two goals of the threat abatement plan have largely not been achieved. That is, the further
spread of amphibian chytrid fungus within Australia has been slowed to some extent but it has
not been prevented from reaching almost all climatically suitable areas in Australia; and the
impact of infection with amphibian chytrid fungus on populations that are currently infected
has only been somewhat decreased.
Appropriate hygiene protocols have been developed and a national disease strategy will soon
be available. A number of different research projects have studied amphibian chytrid fungus
but there are still critical gaps in knowledge regarding the fungus, such as the apparent
immunity of some amphibian species and potential non-amphibian reservoir species. The
majority of the research work to date has been supported by funding from independent
sources and its completion and implementation requires further funding and resources.
The stakeholder working group identified the following priority actions still needing to be
undertaken: improved data collection to facilitate the identification of the population level of
threat in wild populations; establish a genome bank for the cryopreservation of threatened
species; continued research into the most effective methods of mitigating and suppressing the
disease in wild amphibian populations; and continued improvement in communication on the
disease.
The threat abatement plan identified the need to undertake coordinated national surveillance
of wild amphibian populations. This has not occurred to any extent, probably because of the
high level of resources that would be required to undertake such a task. The threat abatement
plan also identifies the need for identification and implementation of management actions for
amphibian chytrid in the listed threatened species. Some actions under this goal have been
undertaken through recovery planning for each species, although the degree to which the
disease is identified in the relevant recovery plans for each of the species ranges from the
chytrid fungus being identified as a threat to not being mentioned. The funding provided to
the listed threatened species through Caring for our Country was assessed and it has been
concluded that there is limited on-ground action supporting the review of this program to
directly abate the threat from amphibian chytrid fungus. Only two of the 17 project
summaries identified chytrid fungus as an action to be addressed.
The threat abatement plan is at a stage where eight of the 68 actions in the plan have been
completed and a further 39 actions are partially complete. It is concluded that there are still
actions outstanding that may be able to contribute to abating the threat but that the current
threat abatement plan requires a new direction to refocus the threat abatement actions. This
conclusion was supported by the stakeholders. Further, because the key threatening process of
Infection of Amphibians with Chytrid Fungus Resulting in Chytridiomycosis is still valid,
there remains a need for threat abatement.
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A separate options paper will explore the options available to the Minister to assist in abating
the key threatening process of infection of amphibians with chytrid fungus resulting in
chytridiomycosis.
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Table of Contents
1.
Executive summary ......................................................................................................... 2
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... 4
2.
Purpose of review ............................................................................................................ 6
2.1 Review ......................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Approach ..................................................................................................................... 6
3.
Background ..................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Purpose of the plan ...................................................................................................... 8
4.
Assessment of actions undertaken against objectives ..................................................... 8
4.1 Objective 1: Prevention of pathogen spread ................................................................ 9
4.1.1 Action group 1.1 – Limit national spread .................................................................. 9
4.1.1.1 Specified actions ................................................................................................... 9
4.1.1.2 Assessment of contribution to change of threat ................................................. 15
4.1.2 Action group 1.2 – Reduce risk at source ................................................................ 15
4.1.2.1 Specified actions ................................................................................................. 15
4.1.2.2 Assessment of contribution to change of threat ................................................. 20
4.1.3 Action group 1.3 – Reduce risk at destination ......................................................... 20
4.1.3.1 Specified actions ................................................................................................. 20
4.1.3.2 Assessment of contribution to change of threat ................................................. 23
4.1.4 Action group 1.4 – Develop, implement and promote hygiene protocols ............... 23
4.1.4.1 Specified actions ................................................................................................. 23
4.1.4.2 Assessment of contribution to change of threat ................................................ 27
4.1.5 Action group 1.5 – Prevent release of B. dendrobatidis from laboratories .............. 27
4.1.5.1Specified actions .................................................................................................. 27
4.1.5.2 Assessment of contribution to change of threat ................................................. 28
4.2 Objective 2: Recovery of listed threatened species ................................................... 28
4.2.1 Action group 2.1 – Manage threatened amphibians to minimise the threat from
chytridiomycosis ...................................................................................................................... 28
4.2.1.1 Specified actions ................................................................................................. 28
4.2.1.2 Assessment of contribution to change of threat ................................................. 38
4.3 Objective 3: Research and monitoring ...................................................................... 39
4.3.1 Action group 3.1 – Develop diagnostic tools ........................................................... 39
4.3.1.1 Specified actions ................................................................................................. 39
4.3.1.2 Assessment of contribution to change of threat ................................................. 44
4.3.2 Action group 3.2 – Research epidemiology, transmission and dispersal ................. 45
4.3.2.1 Specified actions ................................................................................................ 45
4.3.2.2 Assessment of contribution to change of threat ................................................ 48
4.3.3 Action group 3.3 – Research pathogenesis .............................................................. 48
4.3.3.1 Specified actions ................................................................................................. 48
4.3.3.2 Assessment of contribution to change of threat ................................................. 51
4.3.4 Action group 3.4 – Assess effectiveness of management strategies ........................ 52
4.3.4.1 Specified actions ................................................................................................. 52
4.3.4.2 Assessment of contribution to change of threat ................................................. 55
4.4 Objective 4: Stakeholder communication on TAP objectives ................................... 56
4.4.1 Action group 4.1 – Establish communication pathways and share information ...... 56
4.4.1.1 Specified actions ................................................................................................. 56
4.4.1.2 Assessment of contribution to change of threat ................................................. 61
4.5 Objective 5: Coordination of management activities ................................................ 62
4.5.1 Action group 5.1 – Establish communication pathways and share information ...... 62
4.5.1.1 Specified actions ................................................................................................. 62
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4.5.1.2 Assessment of contribution to change of threat ................................................. 63
4.5.2 Action group 5.2 – Use regional management plans ............................................... 64
4.5.2.1 Specified actions ................................................................................................. 64
4.5.2.2 Assessment of contribution to change of threat ................................................. 68
4.5.3 Action group 5.3 – Undertake national coordination ............................................... 68
4.5.3.1 Specified actions ................................................................................................. 68
4.5.3.2 Assessment of contribution to change of threat ................................................. 70
5.
Funding and implementation of TAP ............................................................................ 71
6.
Conclusions ................................................................................................................... 72
6.1 Completion of TAP actions ....................................................................................... 72
6.2 TAP action contribution to goals and objectives ....................................................... 72
6.3 TAP goals ................................................................................................................. 73
6.4 Outstanding issues ..................................................................................................... 73
Reference list – cited and considered ....................................................................................... 75
Attachment A: amphibian chytrid fungus websites ................................................................. 80
Attachment B: Map of the distribution of chytridiomycosis (with dates of first detection) .... 83
Attachment C – Critical gaps in knowledge about chytrid fungus .......................................... 84
Attachment D: Recovery plans and other advices ................................................................... 85
Attachment E: Caring for our Country projects targeting threatened amphibian species
identified in the TAP. ............................................................................................................... 89
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2.
Purpose of review
Under section 279 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
(EPBC Act) the Minister must review each threat abatement plan at intervals of not longer
than five years. The Threat Abatement Plan for Infection of Amphibians with Chytrid Fungus
Resulting in Chytridiomycosis (the TAP) was made by the Minister in 2006. Under section
279 this plan is due for review.
Reviewing threat abatement plans, at least every five years, allows for an assessment of
whether the threat has been abated or, if not, what progress has been made towards abating
the threat. It is acknowledged that some key actions listed in threat abatement plans may take
longer than five years to achieve, such as improving re-introduction methodologies to
establish sustainable wild populations of threatened amphibian species. The review of a
threat abatement plan assesses progress and effectiveness of progress across all actions in the
threat abatement plan. It also considers progress towards threat abatement in associated ways,
such as work related to chytrid fungus done through recovery plans for specific species.
Finally it also considers if the threatened species are still being threatened by the key
threatening process.
The review of a threat abatement plan provides an opinion on whether a threat abatement plan
is still a feasible, effective and efficient means to abate a threat (s. 279A) and alternative
options for the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to consider and advise the Minister.
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2.2
Review
The primary purpose of the review of the TAP is to assess the progress and effectiveness of
the TAP in reducing the impact of amphibian chytrid fungus on nationally listed amphibians
and preventing further amphibians from becoming threatened.
The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (the
department) has undertaken the review in consultation with a working group comprised of
key stakeholders (researchers and state agency representatives), established to advise on
action to be undertaken under the TAP.
Approach
A meeting of the stakeholder working group in May 2012 reviewed the state of knowledge
and research around amphibian chytrid fungus. The department has drawn on this knowledge
as well as published scientific literature, grey literature, and reports to the Australian
Government to review each specific action in the threat abatement plan.
The key stakeholders (including the working group members) were invited in February 2012
to comment on the departmental assessment of progress and to provide comment on potential
future work that might be required to help abate the threat. Responses were received from
many stakeholders including representatives from each jurisdiction, non-government
organisations and key scientific researchers.
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3.
Background
‘Infection of Amphibians with Chytrid Fungus Resulting in Chytridiomycosis’ was listed in
July 2002 as a key threatening species under the EPBC Act. The Minister determined under
section 270A of the EPBC Act that having a threat abatement plan was a feasible, effective
and efficient way to abate the impact of chytrid fungus on threatened Australian amphibians.
Australia’s native amphibians are threatened by a pathogenic fungus, Batrachochytrium
dendrobatidis (B. dendrobatidis), known either as the amphibian chytrid or the amphibian
chytrid fungus, which causes the infection known as chytridiomycosis. This infection affects
amphibians worldwide. This highly virulent fungal pathogen of amphibians is capable at the
minimum of causing sporadic deaths in some populations, and 100 per cent mortality in other
populations. Some species are resistant to mortality and serve as disease reservoirs and
carriers.
In Australia (see map at Attachment B), chytridiomycosis/B. dendrobatidis has been found in
all states and the Australian Capital Territory, but not in the Northern Territory.
Chytridiomycosis/B. dendrobatidis may have been introduced into Australia via the port of
Brisbane around 1978 and spread northward and southward. It did not appear to arrive in
Western Australia until 1985. The earliest records from South Australia and Tasmania are
from 1995 and 2004, respectively. There are some pockets of free areas within infected
regions due to the isolated nature of some amphibian populations. The disease does not
currently occur in Cape York Peninsula in Queensland and most of the World Heritage Area
in western Tasmania. A few isolated populations in NSW and Victoria are currently free of
infection.
Chytridiomycosis/B. dendrobatidis has caused the decline and extinction of several hundred
amphibian species globally. In Australia it has caused the extinction of at least four species
(all from Queensland), and the dramatic decline of at least 10 more. Many persisting species
remain at lower abundance and smaller distributions than pre-disease, some are continuing to
decline and significant mortality from chytridiomycosis/B. dendrobatidis is ongoing.
Currently there are no proven methods to control the disease in the wild. For currently
endangered frog species, emergency measures are needed to increase population sizes through
captive assurance colonies. As chytridiomycosis/B. dendrobatidis is now widely distributed in
Australia, control efforts should be aimed at protecting uninfected areas - this is the opposite
focus to standard emergency responses. Naive areas exist containing endemic frogs that are at
high risk. As strains vary in virulence, reducing the risk of spread between infected areas is
also important. Research to improve mitigation of the impact of the disease in infected wild
populations is ongoing and further work is urgently required.
Chytridiomycosis/B. dendrobatidis is listed as a notifiable disease in Australia’s National List
of Reportable Diseases of Aquatic Animals1 and by the World Organisation for Animal Health
(OIE, formerly Office International des Epizooties) in the Aquatic Animal Health Code.2
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http://www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/aquatic/reporting/reportable-diseases
http://www.oie.int/eng/normes/fcode/fcode2006_back/en_sommaire.htm
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3.1
Purpose of the plan
While eradication of a widespread and continuously present disease is not possible in wild
amphibians, an array of well targeted actions combined with well developed management
plans based on current knowledge can assist in reducing the impact of the disease on
threatened amphibian populations, particularly those presently in captive breeding programs
and for any future captive breeding of endangered species.
The threat abatement plan, therefore, had two goals:
1. to prevent amphibian populations or regions that are currently chytridiomycosis-free from
becoming infected by preventing further spread of the amphibian chytrid within Australia;
and
2. to decrease the impact of infection with the amphibian chytrid fungus on populations that
are currently infected.
4.
Assessment of actions undertaken against objectives
The threat abatement plan’s objectives were:
1. prevent the spread of B. dendrobatidis into areas where it may impact on threatened
amphibian species or may lead to amphibian species becoming threatened;
2. promote the recovery of nationally listed threatened amphibian species that are known or
perceived to be threatened by infection with B. dendrobatidis;
3. improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the management of infection with amphibian
chytrid through appropriate research and monitoring programmes;
4. share information with Australian, state and territory government management agencies,
researchers and other academics, landholders, relevant industries and the public about the
threat abatement plan’s actions and their outcomes; and
5. coordinate management activities effectively.
The implementation of the TAP was seeking to consolidate and coordinate the process of
managing chytrid fungus impacts on native amphibians, and acknowledged that control
programs will have to be ongoing and the costs of these could be considerable. As such, the
threat abatement plan established a framework to allow for the best possible use of available
resources.
Below is the assessment of progress against each of the specified actions.
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4.1
Objective 1: Prevention of pathogen spread
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4.1.1 Action group 1.1 – Limit national spread
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4.1.1.1
To prevent the spread of B. dendrobatidis into areas where it may impact on threatened amphibian species or may lead to amphibian species
becoming threatened.
Performance indicator: Appropriate quarantine and management strategies are implemented that prevent transmission of B. dendrobatidis from areas
with chytridiomycosis to areas that are chytrid-free.
Specified actions
Table 4.1 shows the actions under objective 1 - action group 1.1, the activities that have occurred in the jurisdictions under each of the actions and
the effectiveness of the action. At the end of the table an assessment has been made of the contribution of achievements to the abatement of the
threat posed by chytrid fungus to the species under threat. This assessment, together with those for the following objectives, has subsequently been
used to provide the overarching conclusions to this review in section six.
Table 4.1 Summary of actions to limit national spread.
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
1.1.1: Update the status of
chytridiomycosis-free states
and territories, and regions
within infected states and
territories, after the national
survey (see action 1.1.2) and
on a regular basis as other
reliable results become
available. This information
is most effectively published
on the internet and the most
suitable location is the
Amphibian Disease Home
Jurisdiction situation
The Anton Breinl Centre (ABC)3 at James Cook
University (JCU) collated results from
widespread Australian surveys for
Batrachochytrim dendrobatidis (Bd) (>10,000
test records) into a large Bd database and
detailed map (Murray et al. 2010b). This shows
that Bd has spread into most areas that are
predicted to contain suitable climate based on
climatic modelling (Murray et al. 2011d). The
major negative areas that are at risk of
becoming infected are in south west Tasmania
and Cape York Peninsula.
Unknown whether chytrid free areas exist
Effectiveness of Action
Atlas of Living Australia has made the
data available at
http://collections.ala.org.au/public/sho
w/dr642. The database has also been
included in ‘Bdmaps’ (http://www.bdmaps.net/), a global Bd mapping
project website.
Need a system for reporting/updating
the database on the distribution of Bd.
Most stakeholders identified this action
as useful but only partially achieved
and therefore moderately effective.
Achievement
There is currently no system for reporting/updating
data on Bd distribution in a current and accessible
database. The Amphibian Disease Home Page
(http://www.jcu.edu.au/school/phtm/PHTM/frogs/am
pdis.htm) has not been updated since at least 2008.
The Atlas of Living Australia may be an option, but
there are costs for membership and restricted user
rights. There should be a careful assessment before
this is made as the only site for collation of
information. Any independent website would need to
address issues of ongoing funding, ownership of
intellectual property (IP) and sharing rights.
The distribution of chytrid free areas is not complete,
3
The ABC is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for tropical medicine and a constituent discipline of the School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and
Rehabilitation Sciences at James Cook University
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Actions
Page:
http://www.jcu.edu.au/schoo
l/phtm/PHTM/frogs/ampdis.
htm (Category 1).
1.1.2: Undertake a
coordinated national survey
of frog populations in
chytridiomycosis-free
regions using standardised
sampling protocols and
diagnostic techniques to
determine the distribution of
the chytrid fungus and the
affected amphibian species.
The priority regions and
populations for this survey
are Gulf Country, Northern
Territory, western
Queensland, western New
South Wales, northern South
Australia, the coast along the
Great Australian Bight,
northwest Western Australia
and western Victoria
(Category 2).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
within lowland areas in the ACT.
The Bd status of most of Vic. remains unclear.
Some studies have been conducted which have
identified Mount Bullfight Nature Conservation
Reserve as likely Bd free – more work required.
Annual surveys have been conducted in Tas. but
some sites cannot be accessed
Very little is known about the status of the
disease in SA – further work required.
Effectiveness of Action
A survey protocol was developed (Skerratt et al.
2008) and trialled (Skerratt et al. 2010). The
trial targeted possible Bd free regions adjacent
to known Bd infected regions. However
sampling was limited in terms of taxa, spatial
and geographic spread. Results were consistent
with the predicted distribution of Bd (Murray et
al. 2011d) based on climate and other
environmental variables – Bd does not grow in
the arid inland areas. Therefore priorities for
surveillance are areas that have tested as
negative within the predicted favourable
distribution of chytridiomycosis such as south
west Tas., Cape York, isolated negative areas in
NSW, Mt Bullfight and any unidentified
negative areas in Vic.
Only a very small area of NSW has been
surveyed – much more work is required.
Study by Hunter et al. (2007) in the Australian
Alps (including the ACT) identified chytrid
fungus in all areas sampled in the ACT. There
are no known chytrid-free areas in the ACT.
However it is unknown whether all frog
populations are susceptible and their infection
JCU (Murray et al.2011d) have also
produced a number of predictive
models that seek to integrate current
information to 1) predict distribution of
Bd given incomplete data (includes
dataset and maps), 2) predict natural
wild host species for Bd (shortlists
most likely species to be infected in the
wild) and 3) predict which species are
likely to decline/ are declining as a
result of Bd infection and a range of
other threats. These predictive studies
are useful for informing a national
research, surveillance and management
agenda (e.g. species prioritisations).
National coordination towards agreed
objectives (in terms of areas, species,
populations and habitats for
surveillance) is required. For example
it appears in terms of limiting spread of
chytrid that we should focus on
negative areas and species where
incursion of Bd could cause extirpation
and extinction. This has occurred in
Achievement
with many areas untested or inaccessible and
significant biases may exist in current data set.
This action has been partially met and has provided
valuable information about some Bd free areas, but
needs to be re-assessed in order to be effective in the
future.
The communication strategy outlined in Objective 4
would contribute to the coordination and knowledge
sharing and therefore the future achievement of this
action. However, the Amphibian Disease Homepage
would no longer be the most appropriate location for
the information.
No national survey of frog populations in chytrid free
areas has been undertaken, to provide the necessary
confidence that these regions are free of chytrid and
its impacts. Without intervention, the ongoing
monitoring of these populations would be required to
ensure they remain chytrid free, which may be
difficult due to funding and access to some of the
priority areas.
As the absence of chytrid is not reported in the same
way as is presence, a national survey may be
necessary to have a complete starting point for a
relatively emerging disease. Limiting survey areas
from the start may result in the distribution of Bd
being an artefact of experimental design.
Some of the priority areas may need to be removed,
i.e. the Great Australian Bight where there are no
frogs, or areas where environmental factors do not
favour chytrid, in areas with warmer climates like
savannah regions, semi arid or arid regions. On the
other hand, the Tasmanian Wilderness World
Heritage Area (TWWHA) in the southwest of Tas.
may need to be included as a priority area, as while it
is currently chytrid free, modelling predicts the high
likelihood of the pathogen occurring. This action has
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Actions
1.1.3: Prepare a model
action plan (written along
the lines of AusVetPlan —
http://www.aahc.com.au/aus
vetplan/) for
chytridiomycosis- free
populations based on a risk
management approach,
setting out the steps of a
coordinated response if
infection with
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
rates.
Vast majority of Vic. has not been tested. Some
threatened species not tested.
Surveys and mapping in Tas. showed that
chytrid is widespread except for a large negative
area in the south west World Heritage Area,
where there are endemic frogs -Tasmanian tree
frog and moss froglet (Litoria burrowsae and
Bryobatrachus nimbus) (Pauza et al. 2010).
Monthly Bd surveys and Tasmanian tree frog
call surveys being conducted at two sites
adjacent to infected sites to determine species
response to Bd invasion.
In SA a pilot survey on the distribution of Bd on
the southern bell frog has been conducted in two
bioregions in South Australia: the MurrayDarling Basin and south-eastern SA. Further
work is required in SA
Surveys conducted in WA at Yanchep NP were
positive for chytrid however surveys on
Rottnest Is were negative. Surveys on 15
populations of the quacking frog or red thighed
froglet (Crinia georgian ) were all positive for
chytrid. The Kimberley remains negative for
chytrid.
Not yet implemented at a national level.
However, JCU has prepared a national disease
strategy manual for the Department which will
soon be made available to stakeholders for
comment and input. The developing national
disease strategy will inform action plans for
Tas. and NSW. Action plans are needed for
other states.
Many knowledge gaps make a quantitative
approach to risk assessment challenging.
Include species susceptibility, species ecology,
Effectiveness of Action
Tas. and NSW but not in Qld, Vic. or
WA or at a national level in terms of a
formal risk assessment framework
The Action in the TAP included the
coast along the Great Australian Bight.
However, there are no frogs found in
this region. The only species would be
Sudell's frog or painted burrowing frog
(Neobatrachus sudelli), and there are
no records from the Nullarbor plain
close to the bight [Pers. Comm.
Michael Mahony, 28/2/2012]. This
section of the action should be removed
or tightened to indicate species at the
eastern and western boundaries of the
bight.
Most stakeholders identified this action
as effective but only partially carried
out – national coordination needed.
The national disease strategy meets the
requirements for the national “model
action plan” which is the goal of this
action. This strategy will soon be made
publically available. In the meantime,
efforts have been made by the
jurisdictions to “protect areas that are
chytridiomycosis-free” via various
mechanisms, such as hygiene
protocols.
Knowledge on how best to integrate
Achievement
been effective in bringing together information on the
distribution of the disease in various regions, but
priority areas need to be re-assessed based on new
information since the 2006 TAP, and a national
survey designed, looking specifically at how presence
/absence is recorded.
This action has been partially achieved in that various
documents now exist regarding mitigating the risk of
chytrid. However, some states have action plans,
some states use other jurisdictional action plans and
some have no action plans.
The disease strategy prepared by JCU for the
department is a national strategy, based on current
best practices and the most recent research on Bd. It
has been developed on the AQUAVETPLAN
template and is a compilation of relevant material in
one publication, soon to be published and available to
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Item 12.1.3
Actions
chytridiomycosis is detected
(Category 2). The model
action plan will be based on
a risk management approach
using quantitative risk
analysis where possible and
will be able to be modified
to become area-specific or
population-specific. The
plan could be implemented
in the face of new outbreaks
in chytridiomycosis-free
areas or in chytridiomycosisfree populations. Individual
jurisdictions can modify the
model action plan as a
preventative strategy or at
least have it available as the
framework for a response
plan if needed. This will
help ensure national
consistency in responses to
any new outbreaks. For
threatened species, the
action plan should inform
relevant species recovery
plans. Infrastructure,
protocols, responsibilities
and funding sources should
be identified in this action
plan, using the approach
used in AusVetPlan. To
protect areas that are
chytridiomycosis-free, an
underlying principle should
be that amphibians with
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
changes in host distribution in understudied
species.
The Tasmanian Chytrid Management Plan
includes an action plan to outline the response
to Bd invasion of key naive amphibian
populations.
Data for WA shows a lot of frog species coexisting with chytrid and no evidence of chytrid
induced decline in any frog species.
Effectiveness of Action
national strategies with state and
territory strategies is needed.
Workshops are possibly the best
vehicle but need funding.
Most stakeholders identified this action
as useful and effective but only
partially carried out – further
coordination needed.
Achievement
a wider audience. Its possible inclusion as a manual
under AQUAVETPLAN is being explored.
Risk management needs to be fluid and able to
incorporate new research /strategies to mitigate and
manage the risk of chytrid as issues come to light.
Once a model risk management plan is approved, it
may be hard to change and update the content, and it
is important that mechanisms should be devised to
overcome this before the plan is implemented.
This action is extremely in-depth, and a broader
action should be developed that can be interpreted in
the light of current knowledge to achieve the best
outcomes.
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Item 12.1.3
Actions
chytridiomycosis are not
transported into
chytridiomycosis-free areas.
Actions to reduce
transmission into
chytridiomycosis-free areas
should aim for reduction of
risk at source, and
prevention of dissemination
of B. dendrobatidis at
destination.
1.1.4: Using current
evidence that the Northern
Territory is
chytridiomycosis-free, the
jurisdiction should develop
and implement strategies to
prevent the accidental
introduction of amphibian
chytrid (Category 4).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
Effectiveness of Action
It appears that conditions in the NT are
generally unfavourable for chytridiomycosis
and there is low risk of an incursion there.
However, the NT still has pre-emptive strategies
in place to minimise the accidental introduction
of chytrid. NT government does not allow
amphibian imports to the NT. Berrimah
Laboratory have developed an information sheet
(April 2010) regarding the requirements for
health certification of frogs for import or export
to and from the Northern Territory. Cases
requesting import permits for research or under
special circumstances are assessed on a case by
case basis. The last permit to import amphibians
was in 2006, and if another application was
made, the previous process would be reviewed
in light of new and relevant information.
As part of the regulations and requirements
relating to the taking, keeping and importing of
frogs in the NT, apart from the required permit,
health testing and certification by a veterinarian
are required prior to the import or export and
this certification must accompany each batch of
imported/exported amphibians.
This action has been effective but
assumes no area in the NT will ever
have chytrid. For example, knowledge
on some niche habitats in the NT
should be increased, as highly
evaporative pools in the desert may be
conducive to chytridiomycosis due to
their lower temperatures compared
with surrounding environments.
Achievement
As Bd spreads throughout Australia, affected by
environmental conditions influenced by climate
change from both anthropogenic and natural causes,
this action may have more relevance in the future.
This action has been achieved although it is unclear
which would have the most effect on the accidental
introduction of chytrid, the strategies put in place by
the NT government or climatic conditions.
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Item 12.1.3
Actions
1.1.5: Current evidence is
that Queensland, New South
Wales, Victoria, Australian
Capital Territory, South
Australia, Tasmania and
Western Australia have
regions and populations of
frogs infected with the
amphibian chytrid. These
jurisdictions should develop
and implement strategies to
prevent transmission to the
Northern Territory and
chytridiomycosis-free areas
within their own and other
states (Category 4).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
The ABC has published an example strategy for
herpetologists (Phillott et al. 2010) and
developed guidelines and protocols that provide
the basis for developing strategies. They have
also completed the federally (SEWPaC) funded:
1) Guidelines for captive breeding, raising and
restocking programs; and 2) Hygiene protocols
for the control of diseases in Australian frogs
(Murray et al. 2011b, c).
ABC has also developed and published
predictive models and survey protocols that
enable risk to be assessed and prioritised in
order to better target biosecurity strategies and
for cost efficient surveillance to take place.
No specific strategies have been developed in
Queensland (Qld).
Hygiene protocols exist for frog researchers in
Qld, ACT, NSW and Vic., however other
people such as tourists, bushwalkers,
hydrologists, fishers, land managers etc. have
no protocol or restrictions. WA appears to have
no specific strategies but the Department of
Environment and Conservation (DEC) website
makes generic reference to NSW protocols.
It is thought that the chytrid fungus may have
reached its environmental limits in Qld.
Strategies to prevent the transmission of Bd
have not been considered in NSW. Three
mainland green and golden bell frog populations
found to be infected. One offshore island
(Broughton Island) found to possibly be
uninfected.
In Tas. biosecurity and hygiene measures are
outlined in the Tasmanian Chytrid Management
Plan. These strategies are currently being
implemented by collaborator NRM South under
Effectiveness of Action
Most stakeholders stated that there is
very little data available on the
translocation of frogs within their states
or interstate but expect that any such
movements would be minimal.
It was identified that research on
transmission (both ‘natural’ and
anthropogenic) and effectiveness of
hygiene measures is urgently needed.
Also need to determine effectiveness
and cost efficiency of strategies to
mitigate the risk of disease spread to
better inform management (linked to
effectiveness of biosecurity actions in
3.4).
Achievement
This action has been met in that a National Disease
Strategy has been developed, but is not yet available
to a wider audience. This manual is in essence a set
of guidelines compiled from recent information on
best practices to prevent the transmission of Bd. This
information can be applied to prevent the
transmission of Bd to chytrid free areas, but there is
no legislative power with the manual.
While some jurisdictions have linked this information
to licensing arrangements, once licences have been
issued, imports/exports between states is likely to be
more regulated than translocation of frogs between
and within jurisdictions. More research is required
on the effectiveness of hygiene measures in nonlaboratory conditions by a wider range of user groups
in the field.
Most stakeholders considered that this
action had only partially been
implemented but would be effective if
carried out.
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Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
the Caring for our Country TWWHA
Biosecurity Program. This program will
provide infrastructure such as boot and vehicle
washdown units, and deliver an education
program (outlining hygiene measures /
biosecurity) to land managers, recreational park
users, researchers etc. Its aim is to minimise the
spread of pests, weeds and pathogens (including
Bd) into the TWWHA.
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
4.1.1.2
298
4.1.2 Action group 1.2 – Reduce risk at source
299
300
301
302
303
4.1.2.1
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
Assessment of contribution to change of threat
The actions in this action group have been partially achieved through the development of a national disease strategy and various other strategies by
the states. However, one of the key actions, a coordinated national survey, has not been carried out.
Some of the actions under this action group are no longer relevant, as aside from through in few isolated areas, for example the Tasmanian
Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA), it is no longer appropriate to prevent the large-scale spread of chytrid as the disease is now endemic in
most of the climatically suitable areas in Australia. Despite this, considerable effort has been expended to protect the few remaining isolated
uninfected amphibian populations. Various policy documents now exist in the jurisdictions that contain strategies to limit the risk of spreading
chytrid. However, there has been little coordination between the states in either policy development or surveying efforts for the presence and spread
of chytrid.
A national disease strategy has been prepared based on current best practices and the most recent research on chytrid fungus. Its possible inclusion as
a manual under AQUAVETPLAN is being explored.
Specified actions
Table 4.2 shows the actions under objective 1 - action group 1.2, the activities that have occurred in the jurisdictions under each of the actions and
the effectiveness of the action. At the end of the table an assessment has been made of the contribution of achievements to the abatement of the
threat posed by chytrid fungus to the species under threat. This assessment, together with those for the following objectives, has subsequently been
used to provide the overarching conclusions to this review in section six.
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Item 12.1.3
304
Table 4.2 Summary of actions towards the reduction of risk at source.
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
1.2.1: Develop and
implement a minimum set
of disease control
standards for individuals,
firms or organisations that
send amphibians to others,
or release amphibians to
the wild, to prevent
amphibian stock becoming
infected with
chytridiomycosis. The
standards should address:
• quarantine of amphibians
entering the facility;
• prevention of
transmission between
tanks;
• isolation and
management of ill animals;
• disinfection of all water
and waste prior to
discharge or disposal;
• disinfection of reusable
tanks and equipment;
• postmortem examination
of dead amphibians;
• monitoring of stock for
chytridiomycosis; and
• treatment protocol for
amphibians prior to release
or dispatch from the
facility (Category 1).
Jurisdiction situation
The following work has been
performed:
Disease control standards and
monitoring in facilities
The ABC has now completed the
development of the federally funded
1) Guidelines for captive breeding,
raising and restocking programs and
2) Hygiene protocols for the control
of diseases in Australian frogs
(Murray et al. 2011b, c)
Disinfection
Additional disinfectants were tested
against Bd. At the request of
Tasmanian Department of Primary
Industries, Parks, Water and
Environment (DPIPWE), JCU tested
Bd against Phytoclean (used for
Phytophthora sp. control) which was
effective against Bd.
Effectiveness of Action
Gaps in knowledge still exist in key
areas such as: the effectiveness of
treatments across many species; and
how to demonstrate that (1)
individuals, and (2) groups, are
completely free of infection.
Most stakeholders have found this
action highly effective at reducing risk
of chytridiomycosis escaping from
captive populations and also
minimising the transmission of chytrid,
both within and among sites, as a result
of field research on frogs.
Achievement
This action has largely been completed and has the
potential to be very effective.
The Commonwealth has funded the development by JCU
of the 1) Guidelines for captive breeding, raising and
restocking programs and 2) Hygiene protocols for the
control of diseases in Australian frogs (Murray et al.
2011b, c). These reports are publicly available on the
departments’ website.
These standards for disease control will only be effective
if implemented. It is important to note that the
implementation of the minimum set of disease standards
refers to individuals, as well as organisations. Thus
promoting a greater awareness of the existence and
purpose of these standards is essential for this action to
be effective.
The effectiveness of promising treatments for the disease
should be further investigated by the states and ACT,
followed by broad promotion of the outcomes.
Post mortem
Frog post mortem technique
described by Karrie Rose in Wildlife
Health Investigation Manual, 2007.
Australian Registry of Wildlife
Health - www. arwh.org
Treatment
The review of antifungal treatment
by JCU (Berger et al. 2010) shows
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Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
that there are few proven treatments.
Heat has been tested successfully on
a few species but is not broadly
applicable. The current widespread
treatment protocol with itraconazole
has not been adequately tested.
Optimizing and validating
itraconazole treatment is a priority.
The JCU pathogenesis study (Voyles
et al. 2009) showed that
supplementing with electrolytes can
improve clinical signs in sick frogs.
Sam Young trialled this in
combination with antifungals in three
severely ill frogs and the success of
this protocol demonstrates that this
holds promise for intensive treatment
of valuable individuals (Young et al.
in press).
Approval for scientific licences for
research and management of frogs in
NSW requires strict adherence to
hygiene protocols.
No releases to the wild are currently
permitted in ACT except for
threatened species reintroduction
under licence. Captive populations
and releases must conform to
Amphibian Ark guidelines (Pessier
and Mendelson 2010). The only
releases so far have been captive-bred
northern corroboree frogs in 2011,
which were screened for chytrid
fungus prior to release. Release site
known to have chytrid present but
there were no suitable chytrid-free
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
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Item 12.1.3
Actions
1.2.2: Establish an
accreditation system for
commercial facilities that
sell amphibians to certify
chytridiomycosis-free
status after meeting criteria
based on the points in
Action 1.2.1 (Category 1).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
alternatives.
No state-wide standards have been
developed for Vic. Frog breeding
facilities, such as the Amphibian
Research Centre (ARC), located at
Werribee, and Zoos Victoria, apply
their own standards. Any captive to
wild releases of frogs requires animal
ethics committee approval,
Department of Sustainability and
Environment (DSE) Translocation
Evaluation Panel approval and a DSE
research permit.
In SA captive to wild releases of
frogs require approval from animal
ethics committee and research permit
from the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR).
In Tas. one pilot assurance colony for
the Tasmanian tree frog has been
established at Bonorong Wildlife
Park aiming to determine husbandry
and captive breeding requirements for
this species. They follow principles
outlined in ‘A Manual for Control of
Infectious Diseases in Amphibian
Survival Assurance Colonies and
Reintroduction Programs’.
This action has not been undertaken
in any jurisdiction.
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
Not effective -very little benefit to be
gained from this action
The value of this action to amphibian conservation
would possibly not justify the effort required to
implement it. However, with increasing awareness in
biosecurity and disease control, accreditation may be a
marketing advantage for commercial facilities. In
addition, as more facilities become accredited as chytrid
free, could provide more awareness across a broader
base. A cost benefit analysis may be useful before
18 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
1.2.3: For areas with
chytridiomycosis, the same
protocol to manage
accidentally translocated
amphibians should be
implemented as listed for
areas that are
chytridiomycosis-free
(Category 2) (see Action
1.4.1).
Most jurisdictions have no specific
protocol to deal with accidentally
translocated amphibians but the
incidence of this occurring was
considered by most stakeholders to
be quite low and has mostly been
dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
However, Vic. reports a significant
number of accidentally translocated
frogs.
The ACT reported that no
accidentally translocated amphibians
in the ACT have been released.
Very little known about this action and
very little comment was received.
Therefore it is considered to have not
been effective.
Victoria expressed concerns that the
incidence of accidental translocations
may actually be higher than what has
been reported - due to lack of public
awareness.
1.2.4: Assist industries that
pose the greatest risk of
accidental translocation of
amphibians (including
tadpoles) to develop
protocols to prevent
amphibians entering
produce nursery or other
material prior to
movement. Strategies used
in the banana industry at
Tully, Qld could provide a
good model for other
industries (Category 3).
Some work towards this action has
been undertaken by the Qld
government who performed extensive
sampling of frogs in banana
plantations in North Qld with the aim
of understanding the risks posed
through accidental translocation of
frogs in bananas (and other
horticultural produce and plant
nursery material). Only one frog in a
large sample was found to have
chytrid fungus.
JCU has provided some advice to the
banana industry to mitigate risks.
None of the other jurisdictions have
implemented this action except for
Tas., who has addressed accidental
Limited comments received indicate
that this action could be effective.
However, it was thought that the
limited value of this action to
amphibian conservation would not
justify the effort required to implement
such a strategy and it relies heavily on
effective communication with industry
to incorporate protocols into standard
operating procedures.
deciding that this action has no merit.
Currently this action has not been achieved and therefore
was not effective.
Stakeholders see this action as potentially useful but a
lower priority due to limited resourcing.
If protocols are to be developed to manage translocated
amphibians, they could cover both chytrid free and
chytrid-infected areas as a matter of course. Managing
translocated amphibians requires a degree of knowledge
on what defines a translocated amphibian and what to do
about it. Given that the incidence of translocation has
been reported by most stakeholders to be relatively low,
this action may not be a high priority. However,
concerns were raised by some stakeholders regarding the
risks posed to threatened populations from even a low
number of translocations of infected frogs.
Some stakeholders saw no further requirement for this
action, however others (Vic. in particular) would like to
see this action remain a priority.
If chytrid poses no threat to an industry, asking them to
implement an additional procedure would be an extra
cost in the form of staff and time, which would
essentially not benefit them.
If preventing the accidental translocation of amphibians
as far as is practicable was mandatory, i.e. linked to a
licence or export permit, there would more incentive to
carry this action out.
The magnitude of risk regarding translocation issues for
various industries in different areas needs to be
quantified, so that the requirement for action can be
prioritised. For example, the banana industry carries a
high level of risk of accidental translocations. While the
degree to which translocation occurs remains unknown
or not-reported, this action cannot be effective.
Many stakeholders see no further requirement for this
action; however Vic. in particular would like to see this
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Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
translocation of amphibians via
activities such as extracting pond
water for fire-fighting or road
spraying in the Caring for our
Country TWWHA Biosecurity
Program. Mitigation measures and
associated SOPs will be developed.
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
4.1.2.2
316
4.1.3 Action group 1.3 – Reduce risk at destination
317
318
319
320
321
4.1.3.1
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
action remain a priority as to not progress it poses an
ongoing risk.
Assessment of contribution to change of threat
This objective of this action group has been partially met by the development of the two reports: “Guidelines for captive breeding, raising and
restocking programs” and “Hygiene protocols for the control of diseases in Australian frogs”, which are publicly available on the departments’
website (see list at Attachment C). However, these standards for disease control will require ongoing implementation to be effective. It is also
essential to promote a greater awareness of the existence and purpose of these standards amongst the general public and industry as the level of
awareness of the risks posed by translocated amphibians is currently very low.
The other actions in this group were not achieved to any great extent. The incidence of accidental translocation of frogs over the last six years was
reported by most stakeholders to be relatively low, with the notable exception of Victoria. However, concerns remain that even a relatively small
number of accidental translocations of infected amphibians posed a very high risk to threatened populations.
Specified actions
Table 4.3 shows the actions under objective 1 - action group 1.3, the activities that have occurred in the jurisdictions under each of the actions and
the effectiveness of the action. At the end of the table an assessment has been made of the contribution of achievements to the abatement of the
threat posed by chytrid fungus to the species under threat. This assessment, together with those for the following objectives, has subsequently been
used to provide the overarching conclusions to this review in section six.
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Item 12.1.3
322
Table 4.3 Summary of actions towards the reduction of risk at destination.
Actions
1.3.1: Prevent the release
of amphibians taken
from areas with
chytridiomycosis into
chytridiomycosis free
areas. Their captive-bred
progeny may, however,
be released into
chytridiomycosis-free
areas if sourced from a
chytridiomycosis-free
accredited facility
(Category 4).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
The ABC has provided advice in the
form of guidelines and protocols (Murray
et al. 2011b, c).
Approval for amphibian translocation
programs in NSW requires
demonstration that released individuals
will be free from chytrid infection.
No known chytrid-free areas in the ACT.
However, captive populations and
releases are according to Pessier and
Mendelson (2010), which also meet
guidelines for this TAP.
Effectiveness of Action
Limited comments received indicate
that this action could be considered
effective but further information
would be useful.
Achievement
Issues around enforcing this action so that it is effective
include: what groups are releasing amphibians, who certifies
it and who polices it on the ground. Without national
coordination, the variation in the aforementioned processes
across the many jurisdictions has the potential to render this
action ineffective at a national level.
In Vic., areas that are “chytrid-free” are
protected via various mechanisms,
including strict hygiene protocols for
researchers and pre-release testing for
chytrid prior to any captive to wild
movement of frogs (e.g., reintroduction
following captive breeding). A recently
discovered population of the threatened
Alpine Tree Frog is believed to occur in
a chytrid-free area (see refs); this site is
subject to very stringent hygiene
protocols.
Frog researchers in Vic. are also making
considerable efforts to educate
colleagues and relevant organisations
(e.g., Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water,
CMAs), about chytridiomycosis and
hygiene protocols.
Tas. will incorporate this action into any
future translocation plan
21 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
1.3.2: Prevent release of
amphibians derived from
areas with
chytridiomycosis into
chytrid contaminated
areas. However, release
can be permitted if these
amphibians are:
• sourced from a
chytridiomycosis-free
accredited facility; and
• tested and shown to be
chytridiomycosis-free
prior to release (Category
4).
If tadpoles are originally
sourced from the release
site, release can be
permitted if the
amphibians have been
treated prior to release
with a technique with
very high efficacy
against chytridiomycosis
and a sample has been
tested and shown to be
chytridiomycosis-free
prior to release.
1.3.3: Subject any
amphibians that are
accidentally translocated
in agricultural produce or
nursery material into
chytridiomycosis-free
areas to quarantine, and
either painless
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
As above for NSW, ACT, Tas. and Vic.
WA commented that this action is bad
management for population genetics.
Comments were received from Qld
suggesting that this action is not practical
as it makes no distinction between (a)
animals derived from chytrid -positive
areas being released into different
chytrid-positive areas and (b) animals
from chytrid-positive areas being
released back at their site of origin.
Effectiveness of Action
Limited stakeholder comments were
received, those that were submitted
indicate that this action has been
effective in minimising the spread of
chytrid among sites.
None of the jurisdictions has a formal
policy to deal with accidentally
translocated frogs. However, the ACT
and NSW appear to have implemented
this action wherever possible via various
methods.
In SA, accidentally translocated cane
toads will be destroyed regardless of
Potentially effective but difficult to
implement as it is impractical due to
the large scope
Achievement
There are a lot of ‘ifs’ that need to be adhered to for release
of amphibians to be carried out according to this action. This
action disregards population genetic issues in attempting to
control the spread if chytrid through release programs.
This action has only been partially effective in that controls
for chytrid need to be in place before any releases occur, but
requires close examination of what conservation outcomes it
is trying to achieve, given that many of the ‘ifs’ are not cost
effective or accessible to a wide variety of people and
organisations.
This action could in essence be effective, but it needs to be
implemented, supported and promoted at national and state
levels to engage people on the ground, who acquire goods
with accidentally translocated amphibians.
Community groups supporting frogs may have a key role in
implementing this action, as they have more of an accessible
presence than government agencies. If unaware of issues
around chytrid, the public may contribute to accidental
22 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
destruction or treatment
and testing for
chytridiomycosis, prior
to dissemination for
permanent housing in
collections from which
the specimens cannot be
released to the wild
(Category 4).
Jurisdiction situation
whether infected with Bd or not.
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
translocation of amphibians through the release of frogs in
any goods they have acquired. This action has only been as
effective as the knowledge of the person who finds
translocated frogs, thus unquantified and unable to be
assessed at this point, other than to say that there is no
national strategy or policy to put this action into place.
323
324
4.1.3.2
Assessment of contribution to change of threat
325
326
327
328
This action group could in essence be effective, but it needs to be implemented, supported and promoted at national and state levels to engage people
on the ground. None of the jurisdictions has a formal policy to deal with accidentally translocated frogs so therefore the goals of this action group
were not achieved. As mentioned for the previous action group the level of risk to threatened populations posed by any translocations could be quite
high.
329
4.1.4 Action group 1.4 – Develop, implement and promote hygiene protocols
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
4.1.4.1
Specified actions
Table 4.4 shows the actions under objective 1 - action group 1.4, the activities that have occurred in the jurisdictions under each of the actions and
the effectiveness of the action. At the end of the table an assessment has been made of the contribution of achievements to the abatement of the
threat posed by chytrid fungus to the species under threat. This assessment, together with those for the following objectives, has subsequently been
used to provide the overarching conclusions to this review in section six.
23 of 91
Item 12.1.3
341
Table 4.4 Summary of actions towards the development and implementation of hygiene protocols.
Actions
1.4.1: Use existing state protocols
for quarantine and handling
amphibians in chytridiomycosisfree areas as a basis to develop a
national protocol (Category 1).
This could potentially be
modelled on the Hygiene Protocol
for the Control of Disease in
Frogs prepared and implemented
by New South Wales National
Parks and Wildlife Service and
informed by research results from
Action 3.4.3 and experience
1.4.2: Implement field hygiene
protocols that aim to prevent
transmission of amphibian chytrid
fungus, that are not so rigorous as
to discourage or prevent research
on or study of amphibian
populations, and that realistically
assess risks associated with all
users of water catchments
(Category 4).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
The ABC has developed a hygiene
protocol for field work that includes
modification of the stringency of
disinfection methods needed after
calculating the risk for each frog
population, type of work and people
involved (Phillott et al. 2010). They then
developed hygiene protocols for
Australian amphibians which were
submitted as a report to the Australian
Government (Murray et al. 2011b, c).
Most jurisdictions have been using the
NSW Hygiene Protocol or Hygiene
guidelines developed by Phillott et al.
(2010) as the basis for their procedures.
Procedure used in ACT is consistent with
NSW guidelines and Skerratt et al.
(2010)
Vic. does not have any existing state
protocols; however they have previously
used the NSW guidelines or Phillott et al.
(2010).
Tas. has hygiene and handling protocols
which incorporate the same principles as
NSW hygiene protocols.
The ABC provided advice based on
research outcomes to the Tas. and Qld
governments on implementation of
hygiene protocols (Please see
http://www.forestrytas.com.au/uploads/F
ile/pdf/pdf2010/keepingitcleanweb.pdf
and
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/register/p02
905aa.pdf )
In Qld a technical manual "Hygiene
Effectiveness of Action
This action was seen as generally
effective but the protocols are
currently based on in vitro laboratory
trials and theory and have not been
tested under field conditions. Modes
of anthropogenic transmission also
require research.
This TAP action has been quite well
addressed and comments received
indicate that it has likely been
effective at minimising the
transmission of chytrid, both within
and among sites, as a result of field
research on frogs.
Achievement
This is a key action that has largely been implemented.
There seems to be substantial work on protocols and
strategies around hygiene and quarantine, but more
work on evaluating the effect of these strategies in the
field is required, before any effective national strategy
can be developed.
The hygiene protocols for Australian amphibians report
has been developed by JCU and made available on the
departments’ website.
A lot of work on hygiene protocols has been carried
out since the 2006 TAP. Jurisdictional field protocols
may consist of a combination of documents, which
could be a replication of material and are more than
likely in various stages of relevance depending on
subsequent work published after them, such as Phillott
et al. (2010).
Given the cost and time to get such protocols to press
and disseminated to field workers, the way in which
new material is incorporated in existing best practise
24 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
1.4.3: Ensure licences and permits
for wildlife or flora studies or
other activities that have the
potential to transmit amphibian
chytrid fungus into
chytridiomycosis-free areas,
include conditions that require the
use of appropriate disinfection
strategies between sites using
techniques other than drying as
listed in Table 3 of the
background document (Category
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
protocol for handling amphibians" (see
column 6) has been prepared to minimise
the risk of spread of Bd and other
pathogens through various activities that
the QLD government controls/
authorises. This protocol needs to be
updated to include additional information
in Phillott et al. (2010)
Procedures used in NSW and ACT are
consistent with NSW guidelines and
Skerratt et al. (2010).
Vic. advocate the use of the Hygiene
Guidelines developed by Phillott et al.
(2010).
Tas. is aiming is to minimise the spread
of pests, weeds and pathogens (including
Bd) into the TWWHA by the use of
biosecurity / hygiene principles based on
‘Keeping it Clean: A Tasmanian field
hygiene manual to prevent the spread of
freshwater pests and pathogens’.
Hygiene protocols used in SA are
adopted from a paper by Hyatt et al
(2007).
This action is very difficult to enforce
with regards to tourists, bushwalkers etc.
With regards to research activities most
jurisdictions have procedures for
including conditions on appropriate
hygiene protocols.
In Qld the technical manual "Hygiene
protocol for handling amphibians"
provides protocols to minimise the risk
of spread of Bd and other pathogens
through various activities that the QLD
government controls/authorises. This
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
documents should be seen as critical to facilitating the
effectiveness of this action.
This action has been partially met through most
jurisdictions implementing or advocating some form of
hygiene protocol. However, the variable approaches
have resulted in the action being only partially
effective. Some national coordination may be of
benefit.
This is a key action that requires the implementation by
the states and territories of the protocols that have been
developed in the previous action.
This action was generally seen by
stakeholders as being effective if
properly implemented and complied
with. However, the actual adherence
by field operators to the conditions is
not known.
This action is about ensuring that the appropriate
information has been developed for target audiences
and is disseminated with licences or other appropriate
forums. In some cases, manuals may not be the most
appropriate information to disseminate, as they are
quite comprehensive and involved, and depending on
the person, may not be utilised to the full.
Partially met, as manual and information exists, but
only effective only if properly implemented (most
likely by government agencies) with good compliance.
This action appears to have been implemented by most
of the jurisdictions, with the exception of WA and
25 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
4).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
protocol needs to be updated to include
additional information in Phillott et al.
(2010). Additionally the ABC has
provided advice on hygiene requirements
for scientific permit holders.
In NSW each licence application must
adhere to the NSW protocols and is also
considered as to whether additional
protocols are required.
In ACT procedures are consistent with
NSW guidelines and Skerratt et al.
(2010) and licence conditions request
researchers to follow correct hygiene
protocol in areas that have threatened
species.
The Vic. research permit system, various
animal ethics committees and the DSE
Translocation Evaluation Panel direct
compliance with this action by people
working with frogs. However, it is not
routinely considered in all research
permits and there are inadequate
resources to ensure actual compliance in
the field.
Tas. biological research permits require
the adoption of hygiene protocols. These
are based on ‘Keeping it Clean: A
Tasmanian field hygiene manual to
prevent the spread of freshwater pests
and pathogens’.
WA has not had any requirements for
several years.
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
possibly SA. The actual compliance by the field
operators is outside this action but clearly relevant to
its effectiveness.
26 of 91
Item 12.1.3
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
4.1.4.2
Assessment of contribution to change of threat
349
4.1.5 Action group 1.5 – Prevent release of B. dendrobatidis from laboratories
350
351
352
353
354
4.1.5.1
355
Table 4.5 Summary of actions to prevent release of B. Dendrobatidis from laboratories.
A lot of work on improving hygiene protocols has been carried out since 2006. The Hygiene protocols for the control of diseases in Australian Frogs
(Murray et al 2011c) report has been developed by leading researchers at James Cook University and made available on the departments’ website.
This is a key action group that requires the implementation by the states and territories of the protocols that have been developed. Most jurisdictions
are implementing or advocating some form of hygiene protocol, but the variable approaches taken to date have resulted in the action being only
partially effective. It is also difficult to verify that protocols are adhered to in field situations. Further national coordination may be of benefit.
Specified actions
Table 4.5 shows the actions under objective 1 - action group 1.5, the activities that have occurred in the jurisdictions under each of the actions and
the effectiveness of the action. At the end of the table an assessment has been made of the contribution of achievements to the abatement of the
threat posed by chytrid fungus to the species under threat. This assessment, together with those for the following objectives, has subsequently been
used to provide the overarching conclusions to this review in section six.
Actions
1.5.1: Laboratories experimenting
with B. dendrobatidis to follow
PC2 (see glossary) protocols
including sterilisation or
disinfection of cultures,
contaminated water or equipment
(by one of the techniques listed in
Table 3 of the background
document). Drying should not be
used as the sole technique
(Category 4).
4
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
The only laboratories that claim to have
complied with this action are JCU,
University of Newcastle and those in
Tas.
The situation is unknown for all other
jurisdictions.
Effectiveness of Action
Not possible to determine the general
effectiveness of action on the limited
information provided.
Achievement
This action has been reported by a limited number of
stakeholders to be effective and as having no
significant additional cost on top of experimental
procedures.
Issues rose at the workshop regarding PC24 procedures
being too restrictive for most researchers. This may
need to be considered in the future.
Refers to standard of certification for laboratories - Physical Containment Level 2
27 of 91
Item 12.1.3
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
4.1.5.2
Assessment of contribution to change of threat
369
370
371
372
373
4.2
374
4.2.1 Action group 2.1 – Manage threatened amphibians to minimise the threat from chytridiomycosis
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
4.2.1.1
This action was determined to have been partially met as it was not possible to comprehensively determine the degree of implementation but most
stakeholders indicated compliance with the action.
4.1.6 Conclusion of assessment of contribution to change of threat from Objective 1
It is concluded that while there has been some useful progress towards achieving the goals of Objective 1, Prevention of pathogen spread overall;
there has been limited contribution to the change of threat through this objective. Some of the actions were found to be no longer relevant, in part
due to new knowledge about the disease and in part due to the almost complete spread of the disease to all climatically suitable areas throughout
Australia. The stakeholders commented that at this point in time it would be much more useful to change the focus of the TAP from containing the
disease to suppressing and mitigating the effects of the disease on threatened amphibian species.
Objective 2: Recovery of listed threatened species
To promote the recovery of nationally listed threatened amphibian species that are known or perceived to be threatened by infection with
B. dendrobatidis.
Performance indicator: Strategies, protocols and actions to limit the impact of infection for each species are included in recovery actions, including
threatened species recovery plans.
Specified actions
Table 4.6 shows the actions under objective 2 - action group 2.1, the activities that have occurred in the jurisdictions under each of the actions and
the effectiveness of the action. At the end of the table an assessment has been made of the contribution of achievements to the abatement of the
threat posed by chytrid fungus to the species under threat. This assessment, together with those for the following objectives, has subsequently been
used to provide the overarching conclusions to this review in section six.
28 of 91
Item 12.1.3
385
Table 4.6 Summary of actions to manage threatened amphibians to minimise the threat from chytridiomycosis
Actions
2.1.1: Coordinate captive
breeding, captive
husbandry and restocking
programs across states and
territories to maximise
effectiveness of activities
and knowledge in
producing high quality
outcomes (Category 1).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
There is currently no up-to-date resource
identifying all captive breeding and
reintroduction programs in Australia and their
progress to date. The closest to a current webaccessible list is the Amphibian Ark site, though
this is not up to date nor detailed.
Captive breeding programs are being
undertaken at a number of institutions, in
collaboration with the relevant state wildlife
authorities. The current programs occurring in
Australia are listed below.
Taronga Zoo
southern corroboree frog
northern corroboree frog
green and golden bell frog
yellow-spotted bell frog
Booroolong frog
Alpine tree frog
Amphibian Research Centre
southern corroboree frog
spotted tree frog
Booroolong frog
Melbourne Zoo
southern corroboree frog
southern barred frog
Baw Baw frog
Effectiveness of Action
This action has been shown to be
potentially effective with some
positive results (e.g. preventing the
extinction of the southern corroboree
frog). However, to date little national
co-ordination has occurred and there
is limited understanding of how selfsustaining populations in the wild can
be achieved (e.g. facilitating selection
for resistance, manipulating habitat,
assisted colonisation to new areas).
Achievement
Currently there is no mechanism for organisations to
coordinate and share information regarding issues in
this action. Any repository for captive breeding data,
husbandry info and restocking programs would need to
be accessible (establish who these people/ groups are)
and be updated with current info very regularly.
However, many of the organisations involved in
captive breeding programs are members of Zoo and
Aquarium Australia (ZAA), an organisation who have
a team working on keeping their website up to date.
Conservation of species through studbook programs is
part of ZAA’s core business and there may be
opportunity to coordinate and share captive breeding
programs through this already established database/
website. A data sharing arrangement would need to be
investigated and what benefits and access to data each
group had, and how non-members would access and
input data.
The communication strategy outlined in Objective 4
would contribute to the coordination and knowledge
sharing and therefore the future achievement of this
action.
Translocation could be an issue in restocking
programs, and potential issues regarding translocation
have been raised in addressing various actions in
Objective 1.
This is a priority action that is still ongoing.
Healesville Sanctuary
southern corroboree frog
northern corroboree frog
spotted tree frog
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
29 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
northern corroboree frog
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
Perth Zoo
orange-bellied frog
white-bellied frog
sunset frog
Currumbin Sanctuary
Eungella tinker frog
Bonorong Wildlife Park
Tasmanian tree frog
2.1.2: Establish national
guidelines to standardise
techniques for, and
approaches to, captive
breeding, raising and
restocking programs
(Category 2).
The ABC has been conducting research on
using immunity to chytridiomycosis to improve
the success of restocking programs. This has
been in collaboration with major reintroduction
programs conducted by NSW government,
Taronga Conservation Society and the
Amphibian Research Centre.
There are currently no guidelines to standardise
rearing techniques for captive breeding and
rearing of offspring. This is largely due to the
vast differences in the biology of the species
housed requiring often quite different
techniques and approaches to captive breeding.
Steps have been made in recent years to bring
together current knowledge of amphibian
husbandry. The American Zoological
Association authored a manual on husbandry
guidelines.
The ABC has developed captive husbandry
guidelines for Australian amphibians which
addressed disease control standards (please see
Action 1.2.1). These were submitted as a report
to the Australian Government (Murray et al.
This action would be expected to
effectively improve captive
husbandry – the report prepared by
JCU for the department should at
least partly address this action,
however many questions seem to
remain about whether or not
approaches to captive breeding,
raising and restocking programs can
actually be standardised between
species.
The ABC has developed a captive husbandry manual,
which addresses disease control (Murray et al.
2011b,c), which is an important component of captive
breeding programs. However, it has been suggested
that due to the large biological differences between
amphibian species, quite often different techniques and
approaches to captive breeding are necessary.
This action has been effective at dealing with some
single elements that may be generic to all amphibians,
such as captive husbandry, methods of isolation, water
circulation and sterilization. However, the action has
not been met in establishing national guidelines.
This action may not need any further work due to the
differences in techniques required for individual
species.
30 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
2.1.3: Expand knowledge
of, and infrastructure for,
captive breeding of
amphibians, particularly
with respect to species that
are threatened or
particularly vulnerable to
chytridiomycosis
(Category 2).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
2011b, c).
ACT has adopted best practice guidelines for its
northern corroboree frog breeding program,
consistent with Pessier and Mendelson (2010),
and Young et al. (2007), and incorporates new
information as it becomes available.
Captive husbandry has not been encouraged by
the QLD government. However, Griffith
University in conjunction with Currumbin
Wildlife Sanctuary have commenced a captive
husbandry project for the Eungella tinker frog
also known as the Liem's frog or Liem's tinker
frog (Taudactylus liemi).
Research undertaken by ABC (Shaw et al.
accepted) on poor health in captive collections
of endangered NZ frogs led to findings of broad
relevance to maintaining frogs in captivity,
including improved nutritional status and nonfluoridated water.
Since the adoption of the Chytrid TAP, the
following husbandry institutions have increased
their capacity for facilitating conservation of
frogs threatened by chytrid: Taronga Zoo, Zoos
Vic., Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Currumbin
Sanctuary.
In NSW, captive breeding of the threatened
Green and golden bell frog has been conducted
at Newcastle University.
ACT Government has established a captive
breeding and release program for northern
corroboree frogs. Northern corroboree frogs
sent to Taronga Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary.
Zoos Vic. has established specialised captive
breeding facilities at Healesville Sanctuary and
Melbourne Zoo for four species: spotted tree
frog, southern corroboree frog, stuttering frog or
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
This action is considered to be
effective, and has resulted in
improving captive husbandry and
providing captive assurance colonies
in south-eastern mainland Australia.
However it has only been partially
implemented and little is still known
about many of the threatened species,
some of which are in imminent
danger of extinction.
Any information that increases the
efficiency of captive breeding
programs will be of significant value.
Capacity building required in several
states such as Tas. and Qld.
This action has the potential to be very effective but
requires further work to fully implement it. The sharing
of knowledge should be a priority, as this would
effectively reduce the work that needs to be done by
jurisdictions where the knowledge already exists, and
allow the limited funding for research in this field to be
put to more strategic use.
The communication strategy outlined in Objective 4
would contribute to the coordination and knowledge
sharing and therefore the future achievement of this
action.
31 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
2.1.4: Monitor threatened
species of amphibians to
determine changes in
distribution and
abundance, prevalence and
deaths due to
chytridiomycosis
(Category 2).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
southern barred frog, and Baw Baw frog.
In Tas. one pilot assurance colony for the
Tasmanian tree frog has been established at
Bonorong Wildlife Park.
In WA, Perth Zoo with University of Western
Australia sponsored two PhD students working
on improved reproduction in frogs.
Very little monitoring of amphibian populations
is currently occurring in Qld. There is some
monitoring of threatened amphibian populations
by universities but this information is not stored
centrally.
JCU has conducted population monitoring in
north and south-east Qld. Extensive
investigations of disease ecology in both frogs
and tadpoles have shown that: survivorship of
infected frogs is reduced; Bd continues to
severely impact amphibian populations where it
is endemic although the effects are not obvious
unless intensive population studies are
conducted; and there is evidence for selection
for innate immunity/tolerance within species.
Monitoring in NSW and Qld has shown
seasonal changes in prevalence and infection
load. When climatic conditions are optimal then
prevalence and intensity of infection of Bd can
be very high and chytridiomycosis can cause
significant morbidity and mortality where
endemic.
The following species threatened by chytrid are
the focus of monitoring programs in south-east
NSW: southern and northern corroboree frogs,
spotted tree frog, Alpine tree frog, yellow
spotted bell frog.
Annual monitoring program for northern
corroboree frogs in the ACT since 1985.
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
This action is potentially effective
and has shown benefits from its
limited implementation. However, in
virtually all jurisdictions there are
currently many threatened species
about which little is known regarding
their distribution.
Monitoring programs were identified
by all stakeholders as critical for
informing conservation programs for
the preservation of threatened
species.
It has been proposed that an accurate understanding of
any species’ current distribution is essential for
implementing an effective monitoring program,
especially for frogs species threatened by chytrid, as
well as being very resource intensive to do it properly
and relate it to chytrid.
This action could be effective at helping prioritise
species of concern that need assistance to prevent
extinction and promote recovery. However, the
threatened species that have the same level of risk from
chytrid need to be recognised so that appropriate action
can be undertaken.
None of the threatened frog species listed at the time of
the making of the TAP in 2006 have decreased in their
threatened status. However, four species have
increased in their threatened status since 2006,
including one species being added to the threatened
list. In many cases, there has been insufficient
monitoring and evaluation of the species to understand
the population dynamics and there may also be other
significant threats to those species, such as habitat loss,
meaning that the species has not had a chance to
recover. It is also not possible to determine whether
chytrid fungus is likely to become a key threatening
process to amphibians that are currently not threatened.
32 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
2.1.5: Use
cryopreservation for
Australian amphibian
species, with priority on
threatened species, in such
a manner as to allow
cloning in the future or
have gametes preserved to
allow artificial breeding
(Category 2).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
In Vic. there are various specific programs for
monitoring some threatened frog species.
Funding is limited and the two long term
monitoring programs (spotted tree frog and Baw
Baw frog) have persisted due to the dedication
of individual researchers. Other monitoring
programs target Booroolong frogs, Alpine tree
frogs and growling grass frogs.
Tas. has monitoring programs for its two
threatened amphibian species, green and gold
frog and the striped marsh frog. The current and
historic distribution of both species has been
modelled.
Pilot survey on the distribution of Bd on the
southern bell frog has been conducted in two
bioregions in South Australia: the MurrayDarling Basin and south-eastern SA.
The WA government has monitoring protocols
for population size of three threatened frog
species but no specific chytrid monitoring
protocols.
This action has not been implemented by the
states as a conservation measure.
There is an unpublished report
“Cryopreservation and Reconstitution
Technologies: A Proposal to Establish A
Genome Resource Bank For Threatened
Australian Amphibians” (compiled by Mahony
& Clulow, unpublished report) that was used by
JCU in the preparation of their reports:
guidelines for captive breeding and hygiene
protocols (Murray et al. 2011b, c).
Some significant research has been conducted at
several institutions and an effective international
collaboration for genome banking and assisted
reproductive technologies is operating. Sperm
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
No effective actions have taken place
as a direct result of the TAP.
None of the seven “presumed extinct
species” of Australian frogs has a
national repository of frozen tissues
despite the technology for the
cryopreservation of cells (including
spermatozoa), tissue and cell culture
lines being well established.
No national approach to genome
banking has been established.
Preliminary work on cryopreservation has been
undertaken (Mahony & Clulow, unpublished). This has
not been a top priority for promoting conservation in
the past, but may be important and have very real
benefits now that large declines of many frog species
and populations have occurred in such a short
timeframe.
Once cryopreservation techniques have been
successfully developed for threatened species, progeny
must be able to be restocked into the environment
(maintaining population genetics) and be able to
survive chytrid, the strains and distribution that exist at
that time.
This action has not been met and further work is
required.
33 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
2.1.6: Restock species that
are under severe threat
from infection with
chytridiomycosis using
captive-raised and captivebred stock. Implement this
under an adaptive
management framework
that heeds relevant state,
national and international
(IUCN) standards on
translocations and monitor
the outcome (Category 3).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
storage is now reasonably well established.
Guidelines are necessary for strategies and
management of genome resource banks.
This action has not been undertaken in Qld.
The ABC has been conducting research on
using immunity to chytridiomycosis to improve
the success of restocking programs. This has
been in collaboration with major reintroduction
programs conducted by the NSW government,
Taronga Conservation Society and the
Amphibian Research Centre.
Preliminary investigations being carried out at
JCU with respect to possible restocking and
translocations of the armoured mistfrog.
In NSW, restocking/reintroduction programs are
currently being undertaken in south-eastern
NSW for: southern and northern corroboree frog
and spotted tree frog. While these programs
have demonstrated the capacity to effectively
reintroduce captive bred/reared individuals back
to the wild, self-sustaining populations have not
been achieved.
Several restocking (translocation) projects
involving the green and golden bell frog have
occurred in NSW. The projects have followed
the international (IUCN) and state guidelines on
translocation. The outcomes have been closely
monitored and some outcomes have been
reported in the scientific literature, others await
publication.
Two large industry sponsored programs that
involve a large captive breeding program,
habitat restoration and reintroduction of the
threatened green and golden bell frog are
currently underway in NSW. Mitigation against
chytrid is a key component.
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
Most stakeholders see this is a critical
action to ensure the short-term
survival of some of the most
threatened species.
However, more work is required on
understanding the interactions
between chytrid and frog survival in
reintroduction programs and
techniques to achieve self-sustaining
populations in the wild need to be
developed.
While threatened frog species exist in captivity, it
would be a waste of resources to re-introduce them into
an environment where there is a significant risk to their
survival from chytrid. This action is critical, but a
balanced and perhaps conservative approach needs to
be considered to ensure the limited resources available
for captive breeding produce the best conservation
outcomes.
This action has been partially effective in that captive
breeding and re-stocking programs have progressed
with improved success. However, the progress of
restocking programs needs to be monitored over years
(perhaps outside the time frame of the TAP) in order to
really assess the value and effectiveness of this action.
Identified as a high priority.
34 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
2.1.7: Include strategies to
limit the impact of
infection with the
amphibian chytrid in
infected species as a
component of threatened
species recovery plans and
relevant regional and local
management plans
(Category 4).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
Reintroduction program undertaken in ACT for
northern corroboree frog.
Re-stocking programs have occurred for spotted
tree frogs in Buffalo National Park, and for
Booroolong frogs in north-eastern Vic.
No amphibian reintroductions or translocation
have occurred in Tas. or SA to date.
In WA the white-bellied frog or creek frog and
sunset frog both had releases of captive bred
stocks in 2011.
Recovery plans for Queensland's threatened
frogs are out of date. However, work is
proceeding at JCU to develop strategies to limit
the impact of chytrid.
Conservation planning for all threatened frog
species in NSW considers management of
chytrid impacts. Experimental reintroduction
was funded as a component of the green and
golden bell frog recovery plan.
ACT has identified strategies but it is unclear as
to whether this is a part of the relevant recovery
plan.
Issues surrounding chytridiomycosis are now
routinely included in most relevant documents
produced in Victoria.
Strategies to minimise impact of growling grass
frog (also known as Southern bell frog,
Southern bell frog, green and golden frog, warty
swamp frog) included in Tasmanian Chytrid
Management Plan.
SA has included relevant objectives and actions
in its green and golden bell frog recovery plan.
In WA a new recovery plan is under
consideration for both threatened amphibian
species.
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
Generally seen as potentially
effective but hasn’t been
implemented and needs to be adopted
across states and territories.
It should be noted that incorporating similar strategies
in many recovery plans may not be an optimal way to
limit the impact of chytrid, especially if frequent
updating is required.
This action is important and needs to be incorporated
into relevant recovery plans, and regional and local
management plans.
35 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
2.1.8: Monitor species that
are currently
chytridiomycosis-free (and
are shown to be resistant to
chytridiomycosis by the
standard laboratory
experimental model in
Action 3.3.3) at a lower
level than species that are
susceptible (Category 4).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
In Qld, there is some monitoring of populations
of the Wallum sedge frog by the QLD
government but no information is available on
the status of Bd. Populations of this species
have also been recently monitored by Griffith
University.
Research by K. Hauselberger (Ph.D. thesis JCU)
has established that microhylid frogs in the Wet
Tropics are (1) largely free from infection by Bd
in the field; (2) susceptible to infection by Bd in
the laboratory, but the one species tested, Ornate
nursery frog (Cophixalus ornatus), rapidly
clears infections and does not develop signs of
chytridiomycosis; (3) at least some populations
appear to have been stable at high abundances
since the mid-1990s despite being in regions
where extensive declines have occurred in hylid
frogs (Hauselberger thesis, Hauselberger, K., &
Alford, R. (2005)).
In NSW, some work has been done on
susceptibility differences between co-occurring
species with different decline patterns. This has
shown that the non-declining striped marsh frog
or brown striped frog (Limnodynastes peronii)
possesses a mechanism to inhibit and reverse
the progression of infection. In south-east NSW,
only species perceived highly threatened by
chytrid are the focus of targeted monitoring
programs so little information is available on
less susceptible species.
This action has not been progressed in ACT.
Resistance has not been established for Vic.
species. There are no monitoring programs for
species that are considered to be resistant.
In Tas. current research targeting highly
susceptible Tasmanian tree frog and secondarily
Effectiveness of Action
Most stakeholders consider this
action reasonably effective,
particularly in prioritising species for
biosecurity and emergency response.
This action is generally conducted as
part of field surveys for threatened
species. However, there is currently
no mechanism to share this
information.
WA considers this action very risky
for their situation – if the Skerratt et
al. protocols were followed in WA no
frogs would be monitored as just
about all breed in temporary ponds.
Achievement
This action is currently being undertaken by most
states and the ACT. However, modification to the
action may be required to consider the situation in WA.
Models predicting distribution of chytrid may not
predict necessarily how a species / population will be
affected, it may just provide an indication as to where
positive detections will be found but not necessarily
declines or disease (e.g. WA)
36 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
2.1.9: Apply more
stringent quarantine and
hygiene protocols, than
those specified in Actions
1.4.2, 1.4.3 and 1.5.1 to
populations of amphibians
that are identified as being
particularly vulnerable to
extinction (Category 4).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
another endemic species of unknown
susceptibility, the Tasmanian froglet (Crinia
tasmaniensis). Chytrid status at same sites also
monitored. Reservoir resistant species
monitored at the same sites as endemic
susceptible species as they probably play an
important role in transmission.
Eastern Australian data suggest chytrid is rare or
non-existent in species in temporary water
bodies; however chytrid has been detected in
frog species associated with ephemeral water
bodies in WA.
Qld has found it difficult to enforce Restricted
Access Areas in protected areas to protect
vulnerable populations from non-essential visits.
R. Puschendorf, R. Alford, and others are
attempting to establish quarantine protocols for
the armoured mistfrog, which was discovered in
a single population in 2008.
An area in Kosciuszko National Park that has
been identified as chytrid-free, has the
additional quarantine procedures: Visiting this
site does not follow visits to other frog sites on
any particular fieldtrip; all clothing and
equipment taken to the site must be sterilised
prior to entering the site.
ACT has strict protocols adopted, consistent
with this action.
In Tas. ‘Keeping it Clean; A Tasmanian field
hygiene manual to prevent the spread of
freshwater pests and pathogens’ provides
general hygiene protocols and also a risk
assessment approach to increase level of
hygiene in high risk areas.
Only one threatened frog species in SA the
growling grass frog, (southern bell frog, green
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
This action is generally considered
effective as it identifies that it is not
possible or necessary to adopt the
highest level of quarantine across all
frog sites
This action has been met where necessary.
37 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
and golden frog, warty swamp frog) and both
populations coexist with chytrid fungus.
All three threatened species in WA co-exist with
chytrid – no new protocol is likely to have any
impact on risk.
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
4.2.1.2
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
Assessment of contribution to change of threat
Some key components of this important action group and objective have been partially achieved:
 Researchers at the James Cook University (Murray et al. 2011b,c) developed a captive husbandry manual that addresses disease control, but
national guidelines have not been established. Additionally, due to the large biological differences between amphibian species, quite often
different techniques and approaches to captive breeding are necessary.
 Currently there is no mechanism for stakeholders to coordinate and share information on captive breeding of amphibians but the proposed
communication strategy outlined in Objective 4 would be expected to contribute to the future achievement of this goal.
 Captive breeding and re-stocking programs have progressed with improved success. However, more work is required on understanding of the
interactions between chytrid and frog survival in reintroduction programs and also techniques to achieve self-sustaining populations in the wild
need to be developed. Most stakeholders see this is a high priority to ensure the short-term survival of some of the most threatened species.
Many other actions under this objective were not achieved.
 Monitoring programs were identified by all stakeholders as critical for informing conservation programs for the preservation of threatened
species. However, in virtually all jurisdictions there are currently many threatened species about which little is known regarding their
distribution, mainly due to resource constraints.
 There has been no cryopreservation of threatened amphibian species in Australia and no national approach to genome banking has been
established.
4.2.2 Conclusion of assessment of contribution to change of threat from Objective 2
In conclusion, under Objective 2: Recovery of listed threatened species there has been important work undertaken to minimise the threat to and
improve the recovery of listed threatened amphibian species but there is still much to be done. Priorities include: coordinated monitoring and
surveillance programs; captive breeding and reintroduction protocols; and the establishment of a genome bank. The majority of the work to date has
been supported by funding from independent sources and its completion and implementation requires further funding and resources. When assessing
38 of 91
Item 12.1.3
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
actions taken under this objective the conclusion is that the actions have made a very limited contribution to threat abatement. There has been no
evidence to suggest an improvement in the status of any of the identified threatened amphibians. None of the threatened frog species listed at the
time of the making of the TAP in 2006 have decreased in their threatened status. However, four species have increased in their threatened status
since 2006, including one species being added to the threatened list. In many cases, there has been insufficient monitoring and evaluation of the
species to understand the population dynamics and there may also be other significant threats to those species, such as habitat loss, meaning that the
species has not had a chance to recover. It is also not possible to determine whether chytrid fungus is likely to become a key threatening process to
amphibians that are currently not threatened.
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
4.3
430
4.3.1 Action group 3.1 – Develop diagnostic tools
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
4.3.1.1
Objective 3: Research and monitoring
To improve the effectiveness and efficiency or the management of infection with amphibian chytrid through appropriate research and
monitoring programmes.
Performance indicators: 1. Standardised diagnostic tools are used to inform an understanding of the national distribution and prevalence of the
disease. 2. Management strategies are informed of emerging information provided through research.
The amphibian chytrid was first identified in 1998. While significant progress has been made in understanding the disease, its biology in the
environment is virtually unknown. This is a major obstacle to developing evidence-based control measures. Control strategies can be proposed with
our current knowledge, but the poor understanding of how B. dendrobatidis behaves in the environment needs to be remedied. Ensuring that field
experience and research are used to further improve management programs is an important element of this plan. Adaptive management approaches,
which experimentally test existing and new management techniques, will be encouraged. By measuring the effectiveness of different management
techniques in achieving the recovery of threatened species, we will improve our ability to combat the threat posed by infection with the amphibian
chytrid.
Specified actions
Table 4.7 shows the actions under objective 3 - action group 3.1, the activities that have occurred in the jurisdictions under each of the actions and
the effectiveness of the action. At the end of the table an assessment has been made of the contribution of achievements to the abatement of the
threat posed by chytrid fungus to the species under threat. This assessment, together with those for the following objectives, has subsequently been
used to provide the overarching conclusions to this review in section six.
39 of 91
Item 12.1.3
439
Table 4.7 Summary of actions towards the development of diagnostic tools.
Actions
Action 3.1.1: Trial the
real-time PCR test for
chytridiomycosis in a field
situation and compare for
sensitivity against the
histological examination of
toe clips (Category 1).
Action 3.1.2: Evaluate
pooling samples as a cost
effective technique for
surveying large numbers of
animals using the real-time
PCR test, with subsequent
testing of individual
samples in positive pools
(Category 1).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
Progress has been achieved towards this
objective (Kriger et al. 2006, Hyatt et al. 2007,
Garland et al. 2011, and Skerratt et al. 2011).
Kriger et al. (2006) initiated work comparing
histology with real-time PCR. Hyatt et al.
(2007) further developed a sampling and
detection strategy and Skerratt et al. (2011)
validated the diagnostic tests in wild amphibian
populations. Skerratt et al. (2011) found that the
Taqman real-time PCR (qPCR) test was three
times as sensitive (72 per cent) as histology
(26.5 per cent) in wild amphibian populations
because qPCR is able to detect lower intensity
infection compared with histology.
Other work carried out to achieve more
sensitive results using real-time PCR include
storing and transporting samples to minimise
cross contamination (Skerratt et al. 2011) and
minimise the effect of temperatures on the
amount of DNA in the sample (Van Sluys et al.
2008).
Many jurisdictions have not undertaken work on
this action. No work on this action has been
undertaken in Vic. and ACT. Tas. reported that
testing animals from positive pools has not
proven to be cost effective. They either analyse
swabs individually or pool samples in groups of
three to minimise the loss of sensitivity.
JCU reported on recent research. Pooling
samples for testing with subsequent testing of
individual samples in positive pools lowered the
sensitivity of the qPCR when only one swab of
the five in the batch was positive at a very low
intensity of infection in Fleay’s frog (Skerratt et
al. 2010a). It is also likely that samples from
Effectiveness of Action
This action has been effective, as
research has been carried out
comparing qPCR vs. histology
(Skerratt et al. 2011), and further
comparing conventional PCR with
qPCR (Garland et al. 2011).
Skerratt et al. (2011) recommend that
the accuracy of PCR tests should be
further investigated in laboratories
and wild populations different to
those of this study and the laboratory
studies of Hyatt et al. (2007) as
diagnostic tests results will differ
where chytridiomycosis has been
introduced into a naive population
compared with relatively immune or
recovering populations.
The qPCR test is widely used to test
presence/ absence and prevalence of
chytrid for management purposes,
such as surveillance and monitoring,
in research and advising industry, but
the expense of the method may
outweigh the benefits.
However, pooling samples with
subsequent testing of individual
samples from positive pools is
thought to be cost effective, but only
if chytridiomycosis is at lower
prevalence and the possibility of false
negatives are acceptable (Garland et
Achievement
Real-time PCR is now the preferred test for amphibian
populations, although the acquisition and operational
costs are more expensive than alternatives. Garland et
al. (2011) found that conventional PCR, using
amplification combined with assays other than
Taqman, was a sensitive cost effective alternative to
real-time PCR. Although histology of toe clips is less
sensitive, it can still be useful to diagnose infection, the
severity of the infection and/or the pathology in the
skin (Skerratt et al. 2011).
Both tests have a role to play, but given that PCR can
detect chytrid at lower levels, issues such as cost
effectiveness, contamination and skilled testers are
important for this test to be readily available.
This action has been effective and achieved - in that
comparison of sensitivity between histology and PCR
have been conducted. However further comparisons
carried out under a wider variety of conditions would
undoubtedly continue to validate the sensitivity results
already achieved.
This is an important action, given the progress made
with qPCR testing since implementation of the last
TAP in 2006. As qPCR testing is expensive to set up
due to initial capital expenditure, the efficiency of
pooling samples has relevance, given limited funding
to conduct such work. However, it appears that more
work needs to be done to minimise the occurrence of
false negatives in pooled samples, in order for pooling
of samples to be accurate and cost effective.
This action has been partially completed.
40 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
3.1.3: Determine the
sensitivity of using
tadpoles for surveying for
chytridiomycosis and
compare with surveys
using adults and juveniles
in the same population
(Category 1).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
this species had a high level of inhibition of the
qPCR. Approximately 70 per cent of samples
from this species had inhibition based on
subsequent testing with an internal positive
control, which would have contributed to the
low levels of Bd detected by the qPCR (Hines
2007).
Hyatt et al. (2007) said that the maximum
number of samples that could be pooled without
lowering the sensitivity of the Taqman assay
was five, which in essence could provide some
cost efficiencies. However, they also reported
an incidence of false negative in a pool of five
field samples that returned a negative result, one
low level (11 zoospore equivalents) positive
was detected when samples were reanalysed
individually.
JCU suggested that it is possible to concentrate
samples to overcome the dilution effect of
pooling samples, but no further information was
provided. They also cited Garland et al.
(unpublished findings) in reporting that pooling
samples with subsequent testing of individual
samples in positive pools is only cost effective
if chytridiomycosis is at low prevalence and
lower sensitivity is acceptable.
Limited work has been carried out for this
action and thus limited information is available.
Results from several projects suggest that
tadpoles do not provide a reliable indication of
chytrid presence in an area, such as in species
from north-eastern Victoria (Hunter et al. 2009,
Clemann et al. 2010, Howard et al. 2011) and
two species in Kosciuszko National Park, where
adults were found to be more sensitive to
chytrid. However, tadpoles may be more
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
al. Unpublished - JCU submission).
Currently there is no consensus on
whether tadpoles provide reliable
data for determining the distribution
of chytrid, despite them being
routinely used in surveys for chytrid.
Using juveniles is thought to be
useful a useful way to develop survey
techniques, providing some cost
effective benefits for surveillance and
monitoring that should not be
The limited work on this action has raised further
questions about the sensitivity of using tadpoles. A
strategic experimental design is still needed to address
issues of whether species, landscape and ecosystem
have an important part in determining the reliability of
data from tadpoles. This may be of benefit nationally,
in terms of cost effective surveillance and monitoring
methods in the future.
This action has partially been achieved.
41 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
3.1.4: Develop an effective
tool for studying
B. dendrobatidis in the
environment to improve
the understanding of the
biology and occurrence of
the amphibian chytrid in
the environment. The most
promising is the real-time
PCR test currently being
developed by AAHL
(Category 1).
3.1.5: Develop criteria for
a wide-scale survey
protocol applicable at the
national level and carry out
a survey in
chytridiomycosis-free and
chytrid contaminated areas
(Category 1).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
sensitive for some ecological groups such as
torrent adapted tadpoles, suggesting that tadpole
sensitivity to chytrid may be species, or
landscape, or ecosystem specific.
Qld, NSW and Tas. have conducted several
studies on Bd in the environment. Qld
specifically looking at various environmental
sampling methods such as swabbing, water
filtration, DNA extraction protocols and the
real-time PCR test (Skerratt et al. 2010b,
Cashins 2010, PhD Thesis), and Tas. focused on
detection of DNA in samples (Ficetola et al.
2008). Methods of concentrating water for
qPCR testing, including centrifugation, freeze
drying and filtering, have been investigated
(Hunter 2009, Honours thesis). While
centrifugation looks the most promising, work is
still ongoing (Uni of Newcastle). ACT reported
that no work has been undertaken, and other
jurisdictions did not comment.
Effectiveness of Action
overlooked.
Skerratt et al. (2008) designed a survey protocol
to provide a simple and standard method for
sampling all wild frog populations in Australia
for infection with Bd. It aims to provide
priorities for surveillance and justification for
the extrapolation of results to minimise the
number of populations that need to be surveyed.
Skerratt et al. (2008) suggest that splitting the
continent into regions and allocating frogs to
groups based on their risk to Bd can reduce the
A survey protocol has been
developed. However, there is
contention as to whether the
surveying element of the objective
has been achieved, as areas outside
its known spatial and temporal
distribution have not been adequately
surveyed. The current accepted
distribution of chytrid has not been
tested, as a national systematic and
Further laboratory and field
experiments are required to provide a
sensitive and usable test for the
presence of chytrid in water bodies.
In addition, refining water testing
using filtration or PCR so that large
volumes are not needed is also
important.
Controlled tests concentrating
zoospores by various methods have
produced results that cannot be
applied with confidence to the field
as yet. It has been suggested that
chytrid survey protocols need to be
tailored specifically for the target
system. Hence relevant protocols
would need to be included in the
survey techniques for different
systems.
Achievement
Such a tool has a potentially important role in
informing biosecurity and large scale landscape testing
for chytrid. Given the progression of the qPCR test to
detect chytrid with a high degree of sensitivity, further
work needs to be done to concentrate chytrid in
water/environmental samples so tests are practicable
and the sensitivity of qPCR tests is not compromised
due to how environmental samples are processed.
Through a federally funded project the Taronga
Conservation Society (Phalen et al 2011) has
developed a promising new technique to detect chytrid
fungus. The Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
test (LAMP test), is a new diagnostic test for use in the
field. It is six times more sensitive than the polymerase
chain reaction (PCR test). The abstract is currently
available on the departments’ website. The paper will
be published after further verification of the technique
is undertaken.
A lot of effort and resources have been concentrated on
this action and much has been achieved. However,
further work is required to complete this important
action.
The most current information regarding the distribution
of chytrid is from Murray et al. (2010). The data
represent the compilation of all available/ accessible
data on the occurrence of Bd in Australia as of 2008.
This is a very good starting point, as the data are
continent wide, from 821 sites in Australia, including
10183 records from over 80 contributors, from 19562007.
However, if areas outside of the known chytrid zones
have not been systematically surveyed and archived
42 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
size of the task while providing good results to
assist with management. This protocol is
designed to be used for a variety of groups from
professional and animal herpetologists,
conservation groups and other institutions.
Skerratt et al. (2010) suggest that the protocol is
feasible and flexible, and that results derived
from the survey protocol agreed with previously
collected opportunistic data.
3.1.6: Develop a rapid infield test to detect
chytridiomycosis in
amphibians at a high
specificity and sensitivity
for use in surveys to
determine distribution of
chytridiomycosis
(Category 3).
The Australian Government commissioned the
development of a rapid field test in 2011. The
work is currently being published, and a
summary is available on the environment.gov.au
website.
Effectiveness of Action
coordinated survey has not been
carried out.
Skerratt et al. (2008) acknowledge
that this protocol is not static, and
that it should be adjusted as new
research on chytridiomycosis and its
distribution comes to light. They also
suggest that crucial information on
the distribution of chytrid is lacking
in some species and groups, thus a
more targeted approach for these
groups would help fill in the
distribution gap initially.
Studies have suggested an iterative
process in modelling distribution,
whereby the models can be used to
identify surveillance and monitoring
priorities. This includes the potential
to tailor the allocation of resources to
areas where knowledge gaps exist,
but this depends entirely on whether
we are interested in 1) identifying
new hosts, 2) reducing sampling bias,
3) elucidating distribution patterns
more accurately? Or other priorities?
In summary, Phalen et al. (2011)
developed a rapid test to detect the
chytrid fungus B. dendrobatidis at a
high specificity and sensitivity. They
demonstrated that this test was more
sensitive at detecting the chytrid
fungus in environmental water
samples compared with conventional
species-specific PCR techniques.
The benefits of LAMP include that it
is less prone to the presence of
Achievement
specimens remain untested, the national distribution
and the story of its spread may be incomplete.
A systematic and coordinated national survey of the
distribution of chytrid, in conjunction with its historic
rise to epidemic status, is critical in order to manage its
further spread and preserve biodiversity through
protecting highly vulnerable species and areas. Any
national distribution survey should consider the
alternative questions discussed in the column to the
left.
Therefore, this action has been completed for the
development of a survey protocol but the action to
undertake a systematic survey of Bd free and Bd
contaminated areas has not been done.
This action has been achieved, but the full work of
Phalen et al. (2011) has not yet been published due to
the need for further verification of the method,
therefore the methodology for the LAMP rapid field
test is not yet available to field workers. Publication is
dependent on availability of funding for the further
testing of the method.
43 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
3.1.7: Establish a national
quality accredited
laboratory dedicated to the
diagnosis of
chytridiomycosis to
facilitate the rapid
detection of B.
dendrobatidis using PCR
(Category 4).
The CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health
Laboratory (AAHL) was identified by the OIE
as the international (and thus national) quality
accredited laboratory dedicated to the diagnosis
of chytridiomycosis. However, due to severe
financial constraints the AAHL has been unable
to continue with their chytrid research or
diagnostic work. To date, no laboratory has
been nationally accredited to replace AAHL,
although the ABC at JCU also provides a
quality assured diagnostic service for Bd
researchers working with JCU in Tas., Vic.,
NSW, Qld and WA. They have also assisted
several other laboratories such as the DPIPWE
pathology laboratory in Launceston develop
capacity.
The Ecogene laboratory in NZ also do PCR
analysis.
Effectiveness of Action
irrelevant DNA than PCR; it
amplifies DNA with a high
efficiency, is highly specific for the
target sequence and is quick and easy
to perform using only a heat block or
a water bath (Notomi et al. 2000).
This action has been identified as
important by many jurisdictions,
potentially enabling managers and
researchers to address many actions
in the TAP. However, AAHL has
suspended their chytrid diagnostic
and research work because sustained
funding for ongoing operational costs
is required - as there are no funds to
replace the necessary supplies of
reagents and standard solutions. The
limited supplies remaining at AAHL
cannot meet the high demand
nationally and internationally.
Achievement
This action had been thought to have been achieved by
the accreditation of AAHL, but due to AAHL
suspending their chytrid diagnostic and research work
because of severe funding constraints, the achievement
of this action now appears to be in limbo. This action
is critically important for the national management of
chytrid into the future, and is a matter that needs to be
assessed urgently.
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
4.3.1.2
Assessment of contribution to change of threat
Some important progress has been made in the development of diagnostic tools for amphibian chytrid fungus, but limited funding and resources are
restricting the achievement of many of the actions in this group and under the research and monitoring objective. For example, the Australian
Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) was identified by the OIE as the international (and thus national) quality accredited laboratory dedicated to the
diagnosis of chytridiomycosis. But due to severe financial constraints the AAHL has been unable to continue with their chytrid research or
diagnostic work. They have no capacity To date, no laboratory has been nationally accredited to replace AAHL. It is critically important for the
national management of chytrid into the future that funding be provided for chytrid diagnostic work at AAHL or an alternative laboratory(ies) be
accredited and funded to continue this work.
44 of 91
Item 12.1.3
449
450
4.3.2 Action group 3.2 – Research epidemiology, transmission and dispersal
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
4.3.2.1
Specified actions
Table 4.8 shows the actions under objective 3 - action group 3.2, the activities that have occurred in the jurisdictions under each of the actions and
the effectiveness of the action. At the end of the table an assessment has been made of the contribution of achievements to the abatement of the
threat posed by chytrid fungus to the species under threat. This assessment, together with those for the following objectives, has subsequently been
used to provide the overarching conclusions to this review in section six.
Table 4.8 Summary of the progress on actions regarding the research of epidemiology, transmission and dispersal.
Actions
3.2.1: Undertake research
to answer questions about
B. dendrobatidis in the
environment with priority
on the questions below
(Category 1):
• Does B. dendrobatidis
exist as a free-living
organism in suitable
habitats, particularly
natural water bodies and
moist substrate?
• Can detection of B.
dendrobatidis be used as a
technique to map
contaminated and
chytridiomycosis-free
areas?
• How do environmental
characteristics of natural
water bodies (pH, pO2, ion
content, nitrate, organic
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
Generally jurisdictions have not undertaken this
research independently on a large scale. Overall,
this action has been addressed by two reports
undertaking research to answer Bd in the
environment (funded by the Australian
government). These are “Experimental research
to obtain a better understanding of the
epidemiology, transmission and dispersal of
amphibian chytrid fungus in Australian
ecosystems” (Skerratt et al. 2010b) and
“Experimental research to obtain a better
understanding of the pathogenesis of
chytridiomycosis, and the susceptibility and
resistance of key amphibian species to
chytridiomycosis in Australia” (Alford et al.
2010)
Effectiveness of Action
Overall this action can be seen to be
effective in answering many
biological questions about chytrid.
However, some questions still remain
unanswered, and/or need technical
break throughs. In addition, many of
the questions addressed in this action
are about conventional chytrid. It has
been suggested that in WA, chytrid is
widespread in very atypical habitats
and well outside the expected
physiological tolerances.
Achievement
It appears that the biology aspects have been addressed,
but that more work is needed regarding the
transmission and possible vectors.
The impacts of chytrid in South West WA are reported
to vary markedly to those experienced in the eastern
states – only one species (white-bellied frog, or creek
frog) is being seriously affected by the disease, while
other species are showing few effects. The disease
pattern in WA doesn’t fit the seasonal occurrence
pattern seen in the eastern states either - chytrid fungus
is occurring all year and at high temperatures. This
apparent anomaly needs exploration.
45 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
content) and weather
(temperature, rainfall)
affect the biology and
survival of B.
dendrobatidis?
• What density of
zoospores in natural water
bodies can infect
susceptible species of
amphibians? Does the
density of zoospores in
natural water bodies
correlate with intensity of
infection of amphibian
populations living in those
water bodies, and with the
level of clinical
chytridiomycosis? Can the
density of zoospores in
natural water bodies be
used to predict periods of
high risk for amphibian
populations?
• How does B.
dendrobatidis spread
between water bodies?
• Are there non-amphibian
vectors of B.
dendrobatidis?
• Can B. dendrobatidis be
eradicated from ponds or
small standing water
bodies?
46 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
3.2.2: Develop and
implement effective
strategies to reduce the
accidental translocation of
amphibians with
agricultural produce and
nursery materials. Surveys
should be performed,
particularly in
chytridiomycosis free
areas, to identify the
number and origin of
translocated amphibians
detected at markets,
wholesalers and nurseries
and the prevalence of
chytridiomycosis in these
amphibians (Category 3).
Action 3.2.3: Evaluate,
through field surveys and
ex situ experimentation,
the likelihood of cane
toads introducing
chytridiomycosis into
chytridiomycosis-free
areas, particularly in areas
of Northern Territory,
Western Australia and
Tasmania (Category 3).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
Few jurisdictions have clear and effective
strategies in place to deal with accidental
importation. Tas. swab all accidentally imported
amphibians for chytrid and then euthanase them,
as well as educating produce and nursery
importers through visiting them at their
establishments. Victorian Department of
Primary Industries responds on an ad hoc basis
when translocated amphibians are reported,
through immediate containment and eradication.
The ABC has provided some research and
advice to the banana industry to help mitigate
the risk of translocation of amphibians, as well
as the Amphibian Research Centre to implement
this action more broadly. Strategies have not
been developed in NSW or ACT, with ACT
commenting that accidental translocation is not
an issue for their territory (the reason behind
this statement is unclear). Where chytrid free
areas occur, the introduction of new strains of
chytrid is of concern.
Limited work has been done by individual
jurisdictions. In Tas, the likelihood of
introducing Bd with cane toads has not been
assessed, but the introduction of cane toads
themselves is considered catastrophic.
Vic. reports that that cane toads are detected
periodically (e.g. one cane toad was picked up
by quarantine in a shipping container in 2011)
and could easily provide a source of chytrid
infection; however Vic. is currently not
considered climatically suitable for the
establishment of cane toads.
Cane toads arrive occasionally in SA and are
destroyed immediately.
It is considered unlikely that cane toads would
Effectiveness of Action
Information provided on this action
was limited, but showed both
proactive and reactive strategies in
place in some areas. This action was
thought effective by one jurisdiction,
which worked closely with industry
on this action. Another jurisdiction
did not comment on the effectiveness,
but implied it was important, as they
stated mitigation of the risk at the
source is fundamental to reducing
accidental translocation. In relation to
this action, it has been suggested that
the limited value of the action would
not justify the resources required to
effectively implement this action.
Limited response regarding this
actions effectiveness was received.
The one jurisdiction that commented
on effectiveness thought unlikely to
be effective, while another reiterated
that vigilance on quarantine,
particularly in detecting the
introduction of cane toad is still very
important.
Achievement
It would be worthwhile for strategies to reduce
accidental translocation to be implemented by states
and territories. The limited value attributed to this
action may be due to inefficient or non-existent
monitoring and reporting systems focusing on
accidental translocation. Currently no widespread
systematic approaches appear to be in place, thus there
is no way of really knowing what has slipped through,
how effective these strategies are, and thus how
effective this action has been.
This action has been partially met with some states and
territories having effective strategies in place but others
still require development.
Further comments regarding the accidental
translocation of amphibians can be found in Table 4.2
under actions 1.2.3 and 1.2.4 and in Table 4.3 under
action 1.3.3.
There are questions about the need for a focus on the
cane toad as a potential transmitter of Bd.
This action has not been undertaken.
47 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
introduce chytrid fungus into these areas (NT,
WA and Tas.) given the resistance of cane toads
to infection with Bd and also the low risk of
establishment of chytridiomycosis in these
areas. While attempts were made to survey cane
toads in chytrid infected areas, insufficient
numbers were found to make testing feasible.
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
4.3.2.2
Assessment of contribution to change of threat
466
467
468
469
Regarding accidental translocation, currently no widespread systematic approaches appear to be in place, thus there is no way of really knowing
what or how many individual translocations have occurred, how effective the jurisdictional strategies are, and thus how effective this action has
been.
470
4.3.3 Action group 3.3 – Research pathogenesis
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
4.3.3.1
It would be a fair evaluation to note that there has been important research undertaken to better understand the disease and the management of the
disease but there is still much to be done. The majority of this work has been supported by funding from independent sources and its completion and
implementation requires further commitment of funds.
Overall this action group has been effective in answering many biological questions about chytrid. However, questions still remain unanswered
regarding the transmission, reservoirs and possible vectors of the disease, and these require further research to be answered. In addition, the atypical
disease pattern being observed in frog species in WA requires further investigation.
Specified actions
Table 4.9 shows the actions under objective 3 - action group 3.3, the activities that have occurred in the jurisdictions under each of the actions and
the effectiveness of the action. At the end of the table an assessment has been made of the contribution of achievements to the abatement of the
threat posed by chytrid fungus to the species under threat. This assessment, together with those for the following objectives, has subsequently been
used to provide the overarching conclusions to this review in section six.
48 of 91
Item 12.1.3
479
Table 4.9 Summary of the progress on actions regarding the research of pathogenesis.
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Action 3.3.1: Determine
the pathogenesis of
chytridiomycosis including
the host and environmental
factors that determine the
ultimate outcome of
infection, i.e. death,
persistent infection with no
obvious effect, and cure
(Category 1).
Jurisdiction situation
Overall this action has been addressed by some
key work carried out since the implementation
of the 2006 TAP. These issues are addressed in
Alford et al. (2010) and Skerratt et al. (2010a),
funded by the Australian Government. In
addition, research undertaken at Taronga Zoo,
in collaboration with JCU and NSW
government is seeking to understand why some
species/ populations appear resilient/ immune to
this pathogen.
ACT reported that they not have undertaken any
work towards this action.
Action 3.3.2: Investigate
surviving robust
populations of species that
have undergone
widespread decline and
determine whether
management interventions
can reproduce the factors
that maintain these
Significant work has been undertaken by many
jurisdictions on this action, highlighting the
importance of this action.
Qld cited Alford et al. (2010), Skerratt et al.
(2010a), Puschendorf et al. (2011), NSW cited
Stockwell (2011, PhD) and collaborative work
underway at Taronga Zoo. Tas. reported on
current research determining the occupancy
status for theTasmanian tree frog and
Effectiveness of Action
The TAP has been particularly effective
in developing new knowledge in this
action. In great part this is because there
were many observations of amphibian
species surviving with chytrid infections,
which was an unforseen outcome when
the TAP was written. This outcome has
raised the large question as to whether
some species were immune or immunity
was selected for and the nature of that
immunity, whether some habitats
protected the species that occurred in
them because the habitat was alien to
chytrid (habitat facilitation – e.g. warm
environments), or whether the disease
organism had become less virulent.
While the two key reports are a starting
point for understanding these issues
around chytridiomycosis, it has been
suggested that research targeting these
issues is in its early days, and there is
currently still a knowledge gap, and
ongoing research may assist
development of efficient management
strategies.
This action has received considerable
attention because of the desire to
understand why some species that have
experienced widespread declines have
recovered or persist with some robust
populations. The effectiveness of this
action ranges from partially to very
effective.
Work on this action has the potential to
Achievement
This action has been critical for developing
effective management actions for species in an
ongoing state of decline due to chytrid infection.
However, approaches to using the new knowledge
in adaptive management remain a large challenge.
Continued research would undoubtedly provide
more insight into the pathogenesis including the
mechanisms that underlie amphibian species
resistance/ immunity to chytrid and factors
affecting the virulence of chytrid under various
environmental conditions.
This action has been partially met with more
research needed.
While this action is addressed in Alford et al.
(2010) and Skerratt et al. (2010a) and associated
publications such as Puschendorf et al. (2011),
other work is currently being undertaken, and is
likely to provide critical information for the
management of species that continue to decline due
to chytrid. Without such information, management
interventions to maintain these populations cannot
be determined. This action is important and while it
49 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
populations (Category 1).
Action 3.3.3: Determine
the susceptibility and
resistance of key
amphibian species to
chytridiomycosis using a
standard laboratory model
that relates to risk in the
wild, particularly for
species that are currently
chytridiomycosis-free
(Category 1).
Action 3.3.4: Perform
research for evidence of
resistance (and techniques
to increase resistance) in
at-risk species, including
captive breeding and
selection for restocking
(Category 1).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
Tasmanian froglets, western Tasmania, within
and around the TWWHA. ACT stated that work
had not been undertaken by the ACT
Government but was considered important, and
a PhD study has begun at ANU investigating
aspects of this action in alpine tree frogs. This
action has not been carried out in Vic. in detail
due to a lack of funding; however some
populations of threatened frogs that have
persisted are being monitored.
This has not been done in Vic. due to a lack of
funding and was deemed not applicable in NSW
and ACT, as no large chytrid free areas exist in
NSW and no chytrid free areas exist in ACT.
Tas., with the assistance of JCU, established the
susceptibility of key amphibian species in
laboratory infection trials. Murray and Skerratt
(2012) developed a model to predict whether
host and environmental characteristics could
inform which species were most likely to be
infected with Bd.
The question as to whether this action has been
conducted for key species that are of
conservation significance was raised, and given
the work conducted in Tas. (Voyles et al.
unpublished), better communication about
research work from leading agencies may be
warranted.
The ABC is currently conducting research
aiming to identify immune mechanisms via
molecular studies to aid selection in captive
breeding and reintroduction programs.
Preliminary results indicate that resistance
varies within and among surviving populations
of the alpine tree frog. This has been in
collaboration with major reintroduction
Effectiveness of Action
protect remnant populations of species,
and thus has been very effective.
However, another view is that it has only
been partially effective, as the reasons
why some populations of susceptible
species survive while many other
populations disappear are far from clear.
It has been put forward that it is too early
to determine whether current research
will leave important knowledge gaps.
As some work has been carried out in the
laboratory, indicating this action has
been partially met, the measure of
effectiveness may in fact be relating
laboratory results to susceptibility in situ,
which has not been achieved yet.
This action was considered effective for
prioritisation of species and populations
for management for one jurisdiction, but
from another, the question about whether
it was a real priority was raised, due to
there being no indication of decline in
some species of conservation
significance.
This action has been partially effective,
as it has increased the knowledge about
the extent to which previously
susceptible frog species have evolved a
robust immune response to chytrid.
However, current knowledge remains
insufficient to develop strategic
management strategies, important in
Achievement
may seem ineffective at this point, this may be an
artefact of the TAP timeframe, and over a longer
period may prove effective.
This action is limited because of the few threatened
amphibians that have not been exposed to the Bd.
Tas. is the exception to this and has undertaken
work for their key species.
This action has been partially met.
Research that has been undertaken to date has
improved knowledge on the resistance to Bd.
However, due to the longer term nature of this
research, more needs to be done.
This action has been partially met.
50 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
programs conducted by NSWOEH (New South
Wales Office of Environment and Heritage),
Taronga Conservation Society and the
Amphibian Research Centre. Results to date
will be provided to the department as a final
report in 2012 for a grant from the Australian
Biosecurity CRC.
Action 3.3.5: Assess the
effect of management
activities, designed to
improve environmental
suitability or general
amphibian well-being, on
the morbidity and
mortality due to
chytridiomycosis in
chronically infected
amphibian populations
(Category 2).
480
481
482
483
4.3.3.2
Work has been conducted investigating the
importance of protecting natural environmental
refugia from chytridiomycosis (Puschendorf et
al. 2011), considering strategies that may help
amphibians fight chytridiomycosis during
periods of rapid climate change (Shoo et al.
2011), as well as the effects of salinity on
chytridiomycosis (Stockwell 2011).
NSW is currently investigating the effectiveness
of releasing southern corroboree frogs into
artificial pools to ensure they reach
metamorphosis without becoming infected with
chytrid, as a possible reintroduction strategy.
ANU has a PhD student (Ben Scheele) who is
looking at the effectiveness of controlling
reservoir species and identifying environmental
factors that may mitigate the impact of
chytridiomycosis.
Effectiveness of Action
successful reintroductions and to provide
long term threat abatement.
It still remains a high priority, as
research is required to determine the
genetics/ mechanism underpinning
resistance to chytrid, and whether species
that continue to be susceptible have the
potential to evolve this resistance via
selective breeding.
The perception of how effective this
action has been is divided, and limited
feedback was provided for the TAP
review. The priority of this action was
high across the board, but effectiveness
ranged from undemonstrated to very
effective, even within the same
jurisdiction.
Where refugia are preserved to protect
chytrid free areas and therefore remnant
populations of species, the TAP was seen
to be effective. However, a contrasting
view on the effectiveness of this action
acknowledges the critical importance of
this action to mitigate this pathogen, but
stated that the effect of management
activities has not been demonstrated yet.
Achievement
There appears to be varying opinions, even within
jurisdictions, on the effectiveness of the TAP in
achieving this action. However, all jurisdictions
stated that this action is critical and a high priority.
Work regarding this issue has been the focus of
some research recently, and it may be that an
ecological response through management activities
may be the best option for mitigating the pathogen
on a large scale. More work is needed, and a current
NERP grant (2011-2014) has been approved to
explore chytrid distribution in ecotonal areas on the
western side of the Great Dividing Range.
This action may have been met in part but further
time is required to be able to assess. It is agreed
that this action is incomplete with further work
underway.
Assessment of contribution to change of threat
The goals of this action group have been partially achieved and further research is underway, but further funding and time is required to be able to
complete the work.
51 of 91
Item 12.1.3
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
Work on this action group has the potential to protect important remnant populations of threatened amphibian species, and other work is currently
being undertaken to provide critical information for the management of species that continue to decline due to chytrid fungus. Without such
information, management interventions to maintain these populations cannot be determined.
492
4.3.4 Action group 3.4 – Assess effectiveness of management strategies
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
4.3.4.1
There are still some critical gaps in knowledge about amphibian chytrid fungus including some of the characteristics of the disease and how it infects
frogs, the apparent immunity that some species demonstrate, the transmission host factors, how population dynamics are affected, and other species
as reservoirs to infect the threatened species that are the subject of this TAP. Attachment C outlines the critical gaps in knowledge about amphibian
chytrid fungus as identified by the key stakeholder group in 2012.
Specified actions
Table 4.10 shows the actions under objective 3 - action group 3.4, the activities that have occurred in the jurisdictions under each of the actions and
the effectiveness of the action. At the end of the table an assessment has been made of the contribution of achievements to the abatement of the
threat posed by chytrid fungus to the species under threat. This assessment, together with those for the following objectives, has subsequently been
used to provide the overarching conclusions to this review in section six.
Table 4.10 Summary of actions to assess the effectiveness of management strategies
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Action 3.4.1: Evaluate the
effectiveness of various hygiene
protocol options, using sensitive
tools able to detect viable B.
dendrobatidis in environmental
samples, to inform hygiene
protocols in the field that allow
research and other activities at an
acceptable level of feasibility
(Category 1).
Jurisdiction situation
Limited responses were submitted by
jurisdictions, which may or may not be
indicative of the work carried out towards
this action. ACT reported no action has been
taken and Tas. is currently monitoring the
entry points into the Tasmanian Wilderness
World Heritage Area to assess the
effectiveness of the biosecurity/ hygiene
actions.
Effectiveness of Action
Given that limited work has been performed
evaluating hygiene protocols, this action
appears to have been ineffective. However,
the importance placed on evaluating the
effectiveness of hygiene protocols was high,
despite not being carried out to date, or only in
a limited capacity. The reasons why limited
work was carried out despite agreement of its
high priority status was not reported.
Achievement
It is unclear whether the lack of response
from stakeholders is indicative of the
priority or effectiveness of this action.
While no formal evaluation of hygiene
protocols has been reported on, the
‘Keeping it Clean: A Tasmanian field
hygiene manual to prevent the spread of
freshwater pests and pathogens’.
was published in 2010, and is a good
starting point with regards to hygiene
protocols in the field.
Work still needs to be carried out to
evaluate whether these protocols are
52 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
Action 3.4.2: Perform studies to
determine whether populations that
have recovered after chytridassociated decline are susceptible
to future severe effects from
chytridiomycosis (Category 1).
Studies addressing this action are limited, as
few populations in Vic. could be described
as ‘recovered’, but rather ‘persistent’ after a
decline caused by chytrid. NSW reported a
subsequent decline in a re-established
population of the spotted tree frog in
Kosciuszko National Park (no reference
provided), which occurred in similar way to
the initial decline from chytrid.
In the absence of formal studies, variable
forms of monitoring have been cited
addressing this action. Vic. reported that
some populations are subject to intensive
demographic monitoring e.g. some
populations of spotted tree frogs, while other
species, such as the Alpine tree frog, are
subject to ‘surveillance’ monitoring for the
continued presence of frogs, while sampling
for chytrid. Tas. reports that current research
aims to determine whether chytridassociated declines are occurring.
The Alford group from JCU, Qld has
identified this action as major gap, and has
submitted a research proposal to investigate
this action (currently under consideration for
an Australian Research Council discovery
grant).
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
This action seems to only have been partly
carried out, but it is very important for
positive outcomes from re-introduction work
and recovery from chytrid declines. Further
work is required in determining the
mechanism of resistance in the species where
recovery has been identified after an initial
impact on the population from chytrid.
In addition, expectations need to be clarified
based on what is actually feasible, in terms of
generations/time taken to attain greater
resistance through selection, and whether
selection for individual resistance has actually
occurred, and will thus afford population level
resistance.
effective and can be transferred broadly
across many freshwater environments in
Australia, specifically in relation to
chytrid.
This action has not been completed.
Monitoring of recovered/ persistent
populations is likely to be occurring in
most states and territories in a variety of
forms, even though many jurisdictions
have not reported here. It appears that
more work is required to understand the
mechanism underlying individual
resistance to chytrid, the effect across
species and its role in allowing populations
to persist and even recover from the
impact of chytrid. For this to occur,
ongoing and widespread funding is
necessary.
This action is incomplete with further
work underway.
53 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
Action 3.4.3: Assess the value of
reintroduction programs for
threatened species over significant
periods of time, in terms of
increased abundance and expansion
of range of amphibians, mortality
and prevalence of chytridiomycosis
(Category 2).
Action 3.4.4: Develop effective and
safe treatment protocols that are
suitable for all Australian species
of amphibians (Category 2).
Action 3.4.5: Use specimens from
archived frogs to perform historical
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
Captive breeding and reintroduction
programs are said to be essential to the
recovery of populations effected by chytrid.
Reintroduction programs are currently being
carried out for spotted tree frog, southern
corroboree frog, and northern corroboree in
NSW, and Booroolong frogs in Vic. Work
on this action has not been undertaken in
Tas. and Qld deferred comments on this
action to the work carried out in NSW. In
ACT, the reintroduction program for
corroboree frogs has not had sufficient time
to investigate these questions – first
reintroduction was in 2011 – but the
program aims to eventually help answer
these questions. However, the ACT
government has funded ecological modelling
work to help determine feasibility of planned
restocking of wild populations under range
of chytrid mortality and demographic
scenarios (McCarthy 2008).
Vic. and ACT have not undertaken work.
There is work currently underway in Qld at
Currumbin Sanctuary and in Tas., but results
are not yet available. Research in this area is
urgently needed (Berger et al. 2010).
Various studies since the implementation of
the last TAP have looked at the effectiveness
and safety of different treatments which
include, but are not limited to, Chatfield et
al. 2011, Garner et al. 2009, Berger et al.
2009 [a or b TBC], Young et al. in press,
Young et al. unpublished, Stice & Briggs
2010, Harris et al. 2009.
The historical surveys conducted by JCU
and published in Murray et al. (2010b)
Effectiveness of Action
This action has not been achieved in that,
while frog species have been reintroduced, not
enough time has passed to be able to
determine the success of these programs. In
addition, where the introduction of individuals
have been subject to extreme climatic
conditions, more time may be needed to block
out the background ‘environmental noise’ in
order to accurately assess the initial stages of
reintroduction.
At this stage, there is still a gap in how
reintroduction programs may facilitate
selection for resistance, or whether this is a
feasible expectation.
This action has been partially effective, in that
research has been carried out. However,
results have not been developed into a set of
protocols that can be used nationally for all
amphibian species. A review of the various
‘failed methods’ has been conducted
(Woodhams et al. 2012), providing valuable
direction for future research into safe and
effective treatment protocols that are suitable
for all Australian amphibian species. The
variety of methods investigated can still be
seen to be useful in captive breeding and
emergency responses.
This action is considered useful and only
somewhat effective. JCU state that it is useful
Achievement
Work necessary to achieve this action is
still in the early phase, not really allowing
the effectiveness of this action to be
assessed at this time. Whether the future
timeframe for the TAP will allow
‘significant time’ in order to be able to
assess the effectiveness and value of
captive breeding and reintroduction
programs remains to be seen, especially in
light of the potential masking effect other
factors, such as environmental extremes,
may have on these programs.
The modelling work in the ACT may act
as a strategic indicator for more effective
reintroduction programs, but at this stage
has not been implemented alongside
physical reintroduction programs to
validate it.
Good work is being undertaken towards
this action but it is too soon to make an
assessment on the outcome.
This action has not been achieved and
therefore not fully effective during the
lifespan of the current TAP, but it was
identified as important and it is generally
agreed that more research is needed.
While a broad survey of archived
specimens may contribute to a better
54 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
surveys where knowledge of the
relationship of the arrival of the
amphibian chytrid fungus to
declines in the species would assist
in risk assessment and preparation
of frog recovery plans (Category
3).
Jurisdiction situation
present the status of present day distribution
of Bd. Testing of archived specimens has
been informative about the decline of
corroboree frogs, providing evidence to
refute or support the many and varied
hypotheses about their decline, indicating
chytrid as the major cause of decline for two
species (Hunter et al. 2010). In Tas.,
archived specimens have been tested, but the
timeframe for when Bd was introduced
remains unknown as all specimens were
negative. Work in Vic. and WA has been
done, although references of relevant
publications or data were not provided, and
ACT has not done any work on this action.
Effectiveness of Action
in determining the risk pathways for spread,
but that more needs to be known about
molecular epidemiology to progress this.
Alford supports the current distribution of Bd
provided by Murray et al. (2010b), but
suggests that the ‘story’ of its spread is not
supported by published historical data and that
a broad scale historical survey should be
undertaken. This is possible now that
reasonably reliable techniques to detect Bd in
DNA of preserved specimens have been
developed, which would potentially determine
how the pathogen entered the continent and
how fast it spread. Such a broad scale survey
would require funding, and given that Bd is
widespread in Australia, risk assessment may
only be required for some specific habitats and
locations (e.g. southwest Tas.).
Achievement
understanding of the pathways that
facilitated the spread of chytrid, the
complete picture may be dependent on
whether or not enough specimens were
collected from the point of entry at the
time they arrived, not just that all archived
specimens are tested.
This action has been met.
501
4.3.4.2
502
503
504
505
Parts of this action group were achieved, for example historical survey results were published in 2010 by James Cook University and work
undertaken in NSW and ACT indicates that chytrid was the major cause of the drastic decline of the corroboree frog species. Good work has also
been undertaken on improving re-introduction methodologies to establish sustainable wild populations of threatened amphibian species but it is too
soon to make an assessment on the outcome.
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
Assessment of contribution to change of threat
Other actions in this group were only partially achieved as only limited work has been performed, such as the evaluation of hygiene protocols and
the development of treatment protocols. Much more work is also required to understand the mechanism underlying individual resistance to chytrid,
the effect across species and its role in allowing populations in the wild to persist and even recover from the impact of chytrid. For this to occur,
ongoing funding is needed.
4.3.5 Conclusion of assessment of contribution to change of threat from Objective 3
55 of 91
Item 12.1.3
514
515
516
517
518
519
Some important progress has been made in achieving the goals of Objective 3: Research and monitoring through the development of diagnostic tools
and management techniques for species that continue to decline due to chytrid fungus, but limited funding and resources are restricting the
achievement of many of the actions under this objective. For example, it is critically important for the national management of chytrid into the
future that Australia have well resourced national quality accredited diagnostic laboratory facility(ies) such as AAHL.
520
521
522
523
524
4.4
525
4.4.1 Action group 4.1 – Establish communication pathways and share information
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
4.4.1.1
Therefore, it is concluded that overall there has been limited contribution to the change of threat through the actions under this objective.
Objective 4: Stakeholder communication on TAP objectives
To share information with Australian, state and territory government management agencies, researchers and other academics, landholders,
relevant industries and the public about the Threat Abatement Plan’s actions and their outcomes.
Performance indicator: Stakeholders apply best management practice to implement the plan, based upon access to, and awareness of, existing and
new information and data.
Specified actions
Table 4.11 shows the actions under objective 4 - action group 4.1, the activities that have occurred in the jurisdictions under each of the actions and
the effectiveness of the action. At the end of the table an assessment has been made of the contribution of achievements to the abatement of the
threat posed by chytrid fungus to the species under threat. This assessment, together with those for the following objectives, has subsequently been
used to provide the overarching conclusions to this review in section six.
Table 4.11 Summary of the actions to establish communication pathways and share information.
Actions
Action 4.1.1: Inform
the community about
basic disease
management for
chytridiomycosis and
the risks of transporting
potentially infected
amphibians, water and
other transmitting
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
A range of responses were submitted for
action. NSW reported that a targeted
program to achieve this end had not been
developed, while in Tas. community
education has been delivered under the
Caring for our Country TWWHA Biosecurity
Program. A number of avenues for
information dissemination to the community
have also been pursued, such as through
Effectiveness of Action
The TAP action was thought to be
effective, although only a small
number of stakeholders provided
feedback. Further comment
included that informing
communities needed to be
comprehensive and systematic
rather than ad hoc, which appeared
to be the current approach.
Achievement
While this action has been partially achieved, it is a
somewhat ad hoc approach, and it is unclear as to
whether requests for information were initiated by
communities or research, government or media
organisations, or a combination of both.
Also, not feeding key research results back to the wider
community is an ineffective use of the limited funds
available. The public and interested communities have
an important role to play in implementing on the
56 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
agents, as they are
identified (Category 2).
Action 4.1.2: Educate
the community to
ensure support for, and
compliance with,
existing legislation and
regulations, targeting
groups at higher risk of
spreading the fungus
e.g. pet trade,
researchers, schools,
wildlife carers, as well
as campers,
bushwalkers, the tourist
industry, and other
recreational users in
contact with fresh
water (Category 2).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
media including press, radio and websites.
ACT government reported on providing
information sheets on disease management.
Various presentations have been given to
community groups, such as the Queensland
Frog Society and Queensland Naturalists
Club.
This action has been undertaken by
government jurisdictions in a number of
ways, through understanding the key user
groups and the avenues in which the extra
legislation and regulations can be provided.
The NSW government has untaken this
action via a statement of intent ‘Infection of
frogs by amphibian chytrid causing the
disease chytridiomycosis’, as well as the
NSW hygiene protocol for the control of
disease in frogs. Guidelines to reduce the
spread of disease are provided to researchers
through the permits system in Vic. and ACT.
Representatives of the Department of
Sustainability and Environment (DSE) in
Vic. have been provided with limited advice
regarding the disease and fungus so that they
may in turn inform wildlife carers about the
disease. The public in the ACT are provided
information via the community program
‘Frogwatch’, while in Tas. information is
provided through the Caring for our Country
TWWHA Biosecurity Program.
Effectiveness of Action
It was suggested that for this action
to be effective, state-wide personnel
needed to be appointed to take
responsibility for advocacy and
awareness. Where no personnel are
appointed and a systematic
approach not implemented, it may
seem like information
dissemination to communities is not
a priority. In addition, the level of
uptake and the effect of information
are not known, nor are their
measures in place to evaluate this.
There is general support from
researchers and those members of
the public who are aware of the
guidelines, in adhering to actions as
set out by government agencies.
This action is thought to have been
effective at reducing both the
spread of chytrid both within and
among amphibian populations, but
still remains an ongoing high
priority. It has been recommended
by scientists that no amphibians be
released in Vic. by wildlife carers.
Achievement
ground actions to minimise the spread of chytrid, due
to their numbers and large scale access to areas
infected with chytrid.
Refer to potential communication strategy described in
Action 4.1.7
This action has only been partially met.
The initial work of developing the communication
materials regarding hygiene protocols to reduce the
spread of chytridiomycosis has been undertaken.
There has been some limited distribution of these
materials through some key stakeholder groups.
However, the broader target groups such as campers,
schools etc who are high risk groups are unlikely to
have received sufficient information.
Therefore, this action is only partially met.
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Item 12.1.3
Actions
Action 4.1.3: Use
proactive strategies to
inform and motivate
key groups within the
community, in
particular members of
frog naturalists groups,
wildlife carers and
veterinarians (Category
2).
Action 4.1.5: The
organisation identified
in Action 4.1.4 to
collate, analyse,
interpret and
disseminate data on
chytridiomycosis
occurrence and
prevalence to wildlife
managers, researchers
and the public
(Category 2).
Action 4.1.6:
Encourage
coordination of
research on infection
with the amphibian
chytrid,
chytridiomycosis and
its control. Make
available an online
Key stakeholder comments
Achievement
Jurisdiction situation
Various presentations have been given to
and by key groups within the community,
e.g. specialists speaking to community
groups, zoo staff and government staff
informing a variety of groups on various
aspects of chytrid. It is not known what
constitutes regular, and who generally
initiated the idea of the communication, i.e.
specialist side or governing body or public.
This is important as this action does not
specify ‘who’ should inform the key user
groups, and while it is mainly top down
approach, it may be that some groups may
present as well as receive information from
other user groups.
JCU information has been disseminated
through an international conference, ACT
through media releases, from government
departments to government researchers and
vets. In Tas. specific people are responsible
for the dissemination of information e.g.
Wildlife Health Officer DPIPWE. In Vic.
there is not funding for this and in NSW it is
not the specific focus of the program.
Effectiveness of Action
This action has been thought to be
effective in promoting broader
community awareness surrounding
the impacts of chytrid. However,
frog naturalist groups already have
a high awareness of chytrid.
The effect/outcomes of the uptake
of info has not been measured, and
thus the effect of the proactive
strategies implemented are
subjective, as in some states this
has not been done and many
jurisdictions provided no comment.
This action has been somewhat
effective, as information has been
collated, analysed, interpreted and
disseminated to a wide variety of
groups. However, the approach is
thought to be ad hoc and a more
comprehensive and systematic
approach is required.
Given that no organisation has been established as
specified in Action 4.1.4, this action, while important,
has not been achieved in any coordinated way.
While information has been disseminated for specific
purposes, it appears that content may vary between
audiences. In addition, the motivation underlying the
type of information released for dissemination may be
influenced by the person/group providing the
information.
Limited action from jurisdictions has been
carried out in relation to this action. There
have been reports of no progress or no
funding to carry it out, through to it being
the responsibility of a specific officer,
through to a large scale conference. While
the Amphibian Diseases Home Page has
been proposed as the central point to coordinate research projects and contacts for
Two stakeholders suggest this
action has been effective, but do not
specify reasons.
It appears that this action has been ineffective, since
the specified website in the action has not been updated
since 2008. In addition, an alternative has not been
proposed, and a central repository of research priorities
and contacts is currently not available nationally in one
place.
Co-ordination of a data repository, such as the website,
is needed. In addition, maintenance of data costs
money, so the costs of achieving this action need to be
While this action is no doubt important, a co-ordinated
national approach to strategies and information
disseminated may provide a more solid foundation
from which key community groups conduct their
business. The Department has made information such
as reports and guidelines on chytrid publically
available on the website environment.gov.au.
This action has been undertaken by individuals or
groups as they have seen appropriate.
The action is, necessarily, ongoing.
58 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
database, at the
Amphibian Diseases
Home Page
(www.jcu.edu.au/schoo
l/phtm/PHTM/frogs/am
pdis), of past and
current research
projects and contacts
for researchers
(Category 2).
Action 4.1.7: Publish
the list of research
priorities listed under
Objective 3 online at
the Amphibian
Diseases Home Page
(Category 4).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
researchers, this website has not been
updated at all since 2008.
Very limited feedback was provided on the
progress of this action, with ACT saying no
work was done and Vic. saying there was no
funding available to do the work. The
Amphibian Diseases Home Page has not
been updated since 2 January 2008, with
other key sections within this website not
being updated since before the adoption of
the 2006 TAP.
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
addressed.
Refer to potential communication strategy described in
Action 4.1.7
This action has not been effective.
No comments were provided by
any jurisdictions on the
effectiveness of this action.
The Amphibian Diseases Home Page website is hosted
by JCU. This action was initiated after the approval of
the 2006 TAP. However, the website has not been
updated since 2008, so has only been implemented to a
limited extent. As this action has not been completed, it
has not been effective.
While the TAP has not been effective in achieving this
action, this outcome does not necessarily reflect the
importance of this action. Methods to achieve this
action should be investigated and costed, as it has
potential flow on effects in co-ordinating other
activities such as disseminating information and
informing a variety of groups.
The stakeholders considered this issue at the workshop
in May 2012 and developed a potential strategy to
progress this objective and facilitate improved
communication. The Australian Registry of Wildlife
Health has an existing public website which could be
utilised to provide publicly available information. The
current content of the Amphibian Disease Home Page
would be moved across to this site and updated as
required. The Australian Biosecurity Intelligence
Network offered to host a secure community space on
their website for stakeholders and researchers to utilise
to share information and establish communication
pathways. The Australian Wildlife Health Network
59 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
Action 4.1.8:
Encourage
collaborative research
on chytridiomycosis
and its impact on
amphibian populations
across disciplines and
institutions, including
joint supervision of
research students
across disciplines and
institutions (Category
4).
Action 4.1.9: Establish
a national database of
names, locations,
activities and contact
details of organisations
and individuals
breeding and carrying
out captive husbandry
of native Australian
frogs and made
publicly available on
the internet (Category
4).
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
This has currently been done in many
jurisdictions, between a variety of
organisations and jurisdictions, which occur
in many combinations. However, there is
more potential to strengthen relationships
between experts, disciplines and institutions.
This action has been somewhat
effective, and is important in
maximising the use of existing
knowledge. However, it can only be
effective to the extent to which
collaborative networks are
developed and utilised, which need
to be adopted on a wider basis.
Very little comment was provided on this
action, implying it was not carried out. No
feedback was given on whether or not this
was considered important and what the value
of such a database would be.
No comment was provided on the
effectiveness of this action, except
NSW who said it was not
completed.
provides a way of reporting diseases listed as key
threatening processes and at the workshop in May 2012
they offered a strategy to circulate relevant information
to stakeholders via a “chytrid digest”. This strategy is
an excellent step forward with this objective but will
rely on all contributors to the network posting
information as it is produced.
It is clear that strong collaborative networks exist
within local areas and/or institutions. But the notion of
collaborative research may need to be embraced by the
wider research community in order for this action to
become more effective.
This action has been met but requires ongoing
attention.
This action potentially benefits community groups,
industry, researchers, local, and state and territory
governments as well, but would require a central cocoordinator, as it would only be as valuable as the most
current data contained within the database.
Alternative methods for contacting specialists may
already exist and these should be investigated further
before completing this action.
Refer to potential communication strategy described in
Action 4.1.7
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Item 12.1.3
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Action 4.1.10: Place
signage at entrances to
national parks, forestry
reserves, and other
areas containing water
bodies controlled by
state and territory
departments that have
had cases of
chytridiomycosis, to
inform the public that
the water catchment is
chytrid positive and
giving details on
simple strategies to be
followed to reduce the
likelihood of the
amphibian chytrid
being taken from the
site (Category 4).
Jurisdiction situation
The co-ordination of information appears to
be lacking somewhat within jurisdictions. In
NSW, there was some inconsistency in the
reporting of this action. It was reported as
not undertaken as well as being addressed in
a limited way e.g. Nightcap Range for
Fleay’s frog and Sydney Olympic Parklands
for the green and golden bell frog. In ACT,
it was not undertaken as all areas have
chytrid.
In Qld, there is no signage on protected
estate areas, but some interpretative signage
has been placed at national parks discussing
frog declines and the role of Bd. Similarly in
Tas., signage at associated boot, vehicle and
helicopter wash down areas at the entry
points of TWWHA is being installed by
NRM South under Caring for our Country
TWWHA Biosecurity Program.
Effectiveness of Action
Limited comment was provided on
the effectiveness of this action, with
only two areas in NSW mentioned
where this action has been
addressed.
Achievement
As the implementation of signage in key areas has not
been adopted across the nation and with a high sense of
priority by all jurisdictions, this action has been
ineffective. The potential for important information to
be presented to large user groups within areas where
chytrid is an issue has not be utilized to its full extent.
533
4.4.1.2
Assessment of contribution to change of threat
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
The key stakeholder group, which met in May 2012, indicated there is a sufficient level of cooperation but insufficient communication between the
range of interested groups. The stakeholders commented that reporting and information sharing is not undertaken in any formal or structured way
and due to lack of resources the information on the website specified in Actions 4.1.6 and 4.1.7 (the Amphibian Disease Home Page) has not been
updated since 2008, therefore it does not provide a good picture of the current situation.
The stakeholders considered this issue at the workshop in May 2012 and developed a strategy to progress this objective and facilitate improved
communication. The Australian Registry of Wildlife Health has an existing public website which could be utilised to provide publicly available
information. The current content of the Amphibian Disease Home Page would be moved across to this site and updated as required. The Australian
Biosecurity Intelligence Network offered to host a secure community space on their website for stakeholders and researchers to utilise to share
information and establish communication pathways. The Australian Wildlife Health Network provides a way of reporting diseases listed as key
threatening processes and at the workshop in May 2012 they offered a strategy to circulate relevant information to stakeholders via a “chytrid
61 of 91
Item 12.1.3
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
digest”. This strategy is an excellent step forward with this objective but will rely on all contributors to the network posting information as it is
produced.
557
558
559
560
4.5
561
4.5.1 Action group 5.1 – Establish communication pathways and share information
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
4.5.1.1
There is a reasonable level of awareness of chytridiomycosis in the general community in Australia. Some public information is available through
factsheets and internet websites (examples at Attachment A) but should be coordinated, kept up to date and made more easily accessible. It is also
clear that some aspects of the disease are still poorly understood by members of the public. Therefore, continuing education is important.
4.4.5 Conclusion of assessment of contribution to change of threat from Objective 4
The review concludes that overall there has been limited contribution to the change of threat through the actions under Objective 4: Stakeholder
communication on TAP objectives. Important ongoing work implementing the proposed communication strategy is required to enable progress on
this objective.
Objective 5: Coordination of management activities
To coordinate management activities effectively
Performance indicator: Stakeholders are engaged in implementation of the plan, with actions reflected in recovery plans, and local and regional
management plans.
Specified actions
Table 4.12 shows the actions under objective 5 - action group 5.1, the activities that have occurred in the jurisdictions under each of the actions and
the effectiveness of the action. At the end of the table an assessment has been made of the contribution of achievements to the abatement of the
threat posed by chytrid fungus to the species under threat. This assessment, together with those for the following objectives, has subsequently been
used to provide the overarching conclusions to this review in section six.
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Item 12.1.3
573
Table 4.12 Summary of coordination actions to establish communication pathways and share information.
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Action 5.1.1: Ensure
strategies to manage
chytridiomycosis are
addressed in frog
recovery plans and
include: assessing
species vulnerability to
chytridiomycosis;
monitoring and detection
of chytridiomycosis; and
identifying actions to
address the arrival of the
amphibian chytrid in the
case of
chytridiomycosis-free
populations or
population decline for
chytridiomycosispositive populations
(Category 4).
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
4.5.1.2
Jurisdiction situation
Strategies to manage chytridiomycosis in
frog recovery plans are outlined in the
Tasmanian Chytrid Management Plan
(Phillips et al. 2010), the focus of
recovery plans in NSW & SA. Existing
frog recovery plans in Qld have not been
revised since 2006, nor have any new
plans been developed since then.
Recovery Plans in ACT outline strategies
to manage chytridiomycosis, despite no
known chytrid free areas. In Vic., key
recovery plans for frogs such as the
growling grass frog and Alpine tree frog
have taken a long time to gain state and
federal approval (e.g. 8 years). While it
has suggested that they may be out of
date once approved, periodic updates
during the approval process have started
to include strategies to manage
chytridiomycosis.
Effectiveness of Action
This action is included and consistent
with recovery plans in the ACT and
NSW, and Qld suggests it is a key
action in enabling preceding actions.
It remains a high priority, and
requires adequate resources in order
to be effective.
Achievement
Twenty-nine frog species are currently listed as
threatened under the EPBC Act. Four species are listed
as extinct. Since the adoption of the 2006 TAP, none of
the threatened frog species have decreased in their
threatened status, with four species increasing in their
threatened status, including one species being added to
the threatened list.
Chytrid fungus has been identified as a possible threat
for a number of amphibian species listed as threatened
under the EPBC Act. However, chytrid is not listed in
isolation from other threats, such as habitat loss and
degradation. The role of chytrid in the decline of
amphibian species ranges from known to
unknown/unquantified and as it does not affect all frog
species and populations in the same way, specific
management actions for individual species may only be
possible on a longer term basis.
This action has been partially met.
Assessment of contribution to change of threat
Twenty-nine frog species are currently listed as threatened under the EPBC Act. Four species are listed as extinct. Of the 29 listed threatened
species, only 20 of the species have recovery plans. Within these 20 recovery plans, 15 plans mention chytrid fungus as a contributing factor in the
decline of frog populations, whilst five recovery plans do not mention chytrid fungus in the plan at all. All of the plans addressed other possible
threats which contribute to frog population decline.
The 15 species that have recovery plans mentioning the potential threat from chytrid fungus are the armoured mistfrog, mountain mistfrog, Kroombit
Tinker Frog, waterfall frog, common mistfrog, spotted tree frog, Fleay’s frog, giant barred frog, lace-eyed tree frog, Baw Baw frog, southern
corroboree frog, Eungella day frog, Tinkling frog, Wallum Sedge frog and the stuttering frog. Determining the degree of threat from chytrid fungus
has been identified as an action item in each of these recovery plans. It is also useful to know for what species chytrid fungus is not having a
threatening impact. For example, most recovery plans state that chytrid is a major cause for the decline in species population whilst some recovery
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Item 12.1.3
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
plans mentioned that chytrid fungus could be a potential threat but other factors posed a more likely threat, such as feral animals, UV-B radiation,
chemical pollutants, or the introduction of exotic fish and mammals.
595
596
597
4.5.2 Action group 5.2 – Use regional management plans
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
4.5.2.1
While this review has been able to identify where researchers are concerned about the threat of the chytrid fungus to the threatened species through
actions identified in recovery plans, the actual action on the ground and abatement of the threat is much more difficult to measure. This may be in
part due to a lack of resources to undertake sufficient surveillance of all of the threatened species or a focus of recovery teams on other priorities
(e.g. habitat loss). It should be noted that the resources required undertaking comprehensive surveillance would be very expensive.
Recovery plans can provide a focus for recovery teams or community groups to seek funding for actions through government funding. Appendix C
provides details on funding provided through the Australian Government Caring for our Country program for the management of the 29 threatened
frog species identified in the TAP.. Only two project summaries identify specific actions targeting the problem of chytrid fungus in the species.
Regional management plans, agreed by governments and the community, set out the means for identifying and achieving a region’s natural resource
management targets. They detail catchment-wide activities including land and water management, biodiversity and agricultural practices.
Specified actions
Table 4.13 shows the actions under objective 5 - action group 5.2, the activities that have occurred in the jurisdictions under each of the actions and
the effectiveness of the action. At the end of the table an assessment has been made of the contribution of achievements to the abatement of the
threat posed by chytrid fungus to the species under threat. This assessment, together with those for the following objectives, has subsequently been
used to provide the overarching conclusions to this review in section six.
Table 4.13 Summary of actions towards the use of regional management plans
Actions
Key stakeholder comments
Action 5.2.1: Include a
strategic overview of the
threat posed by
chytridiomycosis to
threatened species and
amphibian communities
that have high
conservation value in
regional management
Jurisdiction situation
Comments from jurisdictions regarding this
action were few. In Qld, frogs susceptible
to chytridiomycosis are listed as low
priority due to NRM bodies using the
threatened species prioritisation process
‘back on track’ when preparing their NRM
plans. As a result, most plans do not include
amphibian species threatened by
chytridiomycosis, therefore no strategic
Effectiveness of Action
Many jurisdictions did not comment on
the effectiveness of this TAP action.
The impact of chytrid is mentioned in
some NSW regional management plans,
but no strategic overview provided in
regional NRM plans. SA report that this
action was effective, as
chytridiomycosis identified as a threat
in the Recovery Plan for the Golden
Achievement
This action has not been met. It should be possible to
identify the threat of chytrid on threatened amphibian
populations within relevant regional management plans.
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Item 12.1.3
Actions
plans (Category 4).
Action 5.2.2: Identify
current and proposed local
management plans, which
address the control and/or
prevention of spread of B.
dendrobatidis for regions,
in regional management
plans (Category 4).
Action 5.2.3: Identify in
regional management
plans how local
management plans will
address Objectives 1, 2, 3
and 4 (Category 4).
Action 5.2.4: Regional
management plans to
include guidance for
integration of
chytridiomycosis planning
into existing regional and
local land and biodiversity
management plans
(Category 4).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
overview included in regional NRM plans.
The definition of ‘regional’ was again
raised as unclear as to whether it relates to
Regional Land Management Plans or Frog
Management Plans.
Comments from jurisdictions were lacking
regarding this action. ACT reported that no
progress was made towards this action, but
that it may not have been appropriate due to
no known chytrid free areas. It was also
pointed out that the meaning of local and
regional management plans did not clearly
indicate whether the TAP was referring to
NRM plans or frog management plans.
No current or proposed local management
plans, whether NRM or frog plans, were
mentioned by stakeholders within the
context of regional management, either to
control and/or prevent the spread of chytrid.
Comments from jurisdictions were lacking
regarding this action. This action was not
seen as a priority in ACT, as no known
chytrid free areas occur. The lack of clarity
on the definition of regional/local and
whether the plans refer to land management
or frog management was raised again.
Comments from jurisdictions were lacking
regarding this action. This action was not
seen as a priority in ACT, as no known
chytrid free areas occur. The lack of clarity
on the definition of regional/local and
whether the plans refer to land management
or frog management was raised again.
Qld reported that for this action to be
carried out, chytridiomycosis needs to be
seen as a threat to biodiversity. However,
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
Bell Frog, Litoria raniformis in the
South Australian River Murray Corridor
(Turner et al. 2011).
Only one jurisdiction (NSW)
commented on the effectiveness of this
action, stating that the TAP was not
effective.
As no local management plans, current and/or proposed,
were mentioned, it seems that no regional initiatives are
being carried out on the ground at a local level, in a
strategic and coordinated way, thus rendering this action
ineffective.
Only one jurisdiction (NSW)
commented on the effectiveness of this
action, stating that the TAP was not
effective.
This action has not been undertaken.
Only one jurisdiction (NSW)
commented on the effectiveness of this
action, stating that the TAP was not
effective.
This action has not been implemented, but has the
potential to be effective if raised to a higher priority by
regions and integrated into their management plans.
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Item 12.1.3
Actions
Action 5.2.5: Identify in
regional management
plans, areas that were part
of the former range of
threatened species for
potential later reintroduction (Category 4).
Action 5.2.6: Support
regional organisations,
community and industry
groups and land
management agencies in
collaboratively developing
and implementing regional
management plans
(Category 4).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
when many regional NRM plans in Qld
were developed frog species susceptible to
chytridiomycosis were listed as a low
priority. Subsequently, they do not include
actions to abate the threat posed to
amphibian species by chytridiomycosis, for
regional and local land and into biodiversity
management plans.
ACT reports that recovery plans and action
plans are consistent with this action. In
Vic., the former range of some species is
well known, such as key threatened Vic.
frogs including spotted tree frogs, Alpine
tree frogs and Baw Baw Frogs. However,
less is known about other species, such as
the stuttering frog, (also known as the
southern barred frog). The implications are
that where distributions of threatened
species are less well understood, the
potential for re-introduction in the future as
part of a recovery plan may not be realistic,
even if such an option is outlined clearly in
regional management plans.
Limited comment was provided by
stakeholders regarding this action. ACT
reported that no progress had been made
towards this action, while Tas. reported that
the Chytrid Management Plan and other
support was freely given to community
groups, industry groups and land
management agencies. From the feedback,
we are unable to tell whether support is
given when asked, or a proactive approach
to dissemination of information used for
priority groups.
Achievement
Effectiveness of Action
One stakeholder from NSW commented
that this action was not effective, while
all other stakeholders representing other
jurisdictions did not comment.
Recovery plans often cover this issue, as re-introduction
may be an option in order to increase populations and
species numbers. However, areas outside their former
range may be more suitable to reintroduction of threatened
species, as chytrid may be unable to compete in atypical
environments.
Given that research and monitoring has shown that chytrid
does not affect all species the same, and can affect the
same species differently under various climatic and
environmental conditions, this action may not be a priority
or effective in abating the threat of chytridiomycosis.
No comment provided by stakeholders,
except one stakeholder in NSW, who
said this TAP action was not effective.
The definition of ‘regional
management’ needs clarification as to
whether it means land management or
frog management, and such a
difference in scale may affect the
perception of whether this action was
effective or not.
With the limited information provided, we are unable to
ascertain how much support has been provided to regional
organisations and land management agencies, community
and industry groups, in order to collaboratively develop
and implement regional management plans.
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Item 12.1.3
Actions
Action 5.2.7: Where
possible, management on
public and private lands is
integrated with other
regional biodiversity
conservation measures
through the development
of regional partnerships or
utilisation of appropriate
existing structures
(Category 4).
Action 5.2.8: Develop
model prototype regional
management plans for
chytridiomycosis-free and
chytrid-contaminated areas
(Category 4).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
In Tas., partnerships with land management
agencies and private landholders have been
developed through collaborator NRM South
under Caring for our Country TWWHA
Biosecurity Program, which aims to reduce
the spread of pathogens, weeds and pests
into the TWWHA. No other partnerships
utilising existing structures were reported
by stakeholders.
Effectiveness of Action
The action was reported as not effective
by one stakeholder, with no comment
on its effectiveness provided by the
other stakeholders. Funding was
identified as necessary to ensure
collaboration through regional
partnerships was developed and existing
structures utilised.
Largely no comment was provided by all
stakeholders, with the exceptions of Vic.,
where funding appeared to be the limiting
factor, and ACT, where the action was not
progressed due to no known chytrid freeareas.
NSW stated that this action was not
effective, while SA said it had not been
done, but provided no comment on the
importance of the action.
The TAP has the potential to be
effective in addressing this action, but
in developing a model regional plan,
complex cross jurisdictional issues with
varying levels of priority may need to
be addressed. As well any model
regional plan would need to be
developed collaboratively between
various sections of the department,
including Environmental Biosecurity,
recovery planning, threatened species
etc., in order to ensure that the plan is
effective across various scales and
where cross jurisdictional boundaries
occur within the one region. Due to
limited resources, both human and
financial, co-ordination would be very
important when developing such a
model.
Achievement
This action was not implemented or achieved.
Such a model could potentially guide regional and local
management plans, and be a source of additional guidance
material relevant to chytridiomycosis-free and chytridcontaminated areas. In considering or developing regional
management plans, regions need to be defined as either
species distribution zones or state/territory jurisdictions. If
regions comprise species distribution zones and they cross
jurisdictional borders, management of such regional areas
would potentially be affected by regional and local
management priorities.
Regions of significance that cross state and territory
borders need to be managed with the same level of
priority, resources and with the same end in mind, in a
cooperative manner to ensure the best outcome. If there
are no links between regions and how regional
management plans are being implemented, work may not
be as effective on a broader scale and thus render the
model ineffective.
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Item 12.1.3
605
606
607
608
609
610
4.5.2.2
Assessment of contribution to change of threat
611
612
613
614
615
4.5.3 Action group 5.3 – Undertake national coordination
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
4.5.3.1
Stakeholders report that regional and local management plans have in general failed to address the issue of chytrid fungus. Recovery plans for
individual threatened amphibian species have often included chytrid fungus as a risk factor when considering reintroduction to the wild as an option
in order to increase populations and species numbers.
The review considers that the objectives of this action group have not been achieved.
The department (i.e. DSEWPaC) will provide support to the Amphibian Diseases Threat Abatement Committee (the committee) to assist and
monitor implementation of the plan, including reviewing the actions and broad priorities for funding, and highlighting gaps. The development of
education and extension material would be assisted by the involvement of the committee, which could also assess the potential for broader
application of management methods or approaches developed through local management plans.
Specified actions
Table 4.14 shows the actions under objective 5 - action group 5.3, the activities that have occurred in the jurisdictions under each of the actions and
the effectiveness of the action. At the end of the table an assessment has been made of the contribution of achievements to the abatement of the
threat posed by chytrid fungus to the species under threat. This assessment, together with those for the following objectives, has subsequently been
used to provide the overarching conclusions to this review in section six.
Table 4.14 Summary of national coordination actions.
Actions
Action 5.3.1: Convene an
Amphibian Diseases Threat
Abatement Committee that
includes people with technical
and practical experience in
chytridiomycosis and amphibian
management and research, to
assist implementing this plan
(Category 1).
Key stakeholder comments
Jurisdiction situation
While a national group was thought
to be a good idea, many jurisdictions
thought this had not occurred. It was
proposed that such a group should
include people who had worked on
chytrid under different seasonal
conditions, in different habitat types,
and who have worked on threatened
frog species outside of the context of
chytrid management.
Effectiveness of Action
Through initiating the chytrid TAP
review, identification of key
stakeholders from all states and
territories was paramount in requesting
feedback on the effectiveness of the
TAP. Through this process,
stakeholders were asked to indicate
their interest in being part of a working
group to facilitate the review of the
TAP.
Achievement
A stakeholder working group was brought together at a
workshop held in May 2012 to consider and advise the
review of the TAP review. This group consisted of a broad
selection of people representing all states and territories,
from both state and federal government agencies, as well
as leading researchers. It is proposed that this group will
be called the ‘National Chytrid Group’ and take on the role
and responsibilities of the proposed Amphibian Diseases
Threat Abatement Committee.
This action has been partially met.
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Item 12.1.3
Actions
Action 5.3.2: The Committee to
ensure each action is costed, its
duration estimated, and given a
ranking in terms of priority for
implementation and lead
organisation and person(s)
responsible for the Action
identified (Category 2).
Action 5.3.3: Revise relevant
sections of the National Action
Plan for Australian Frogs to
include an evaluation of the
current status of the knowledge
of the ecology of all Australian
amphibian species and to
recommend appropriate
management actions to prevent
infection with the amphibian
chytrid resulting in
chytridiomycosis or to decrease
its impact (Category 3).
Action 5.3.4: The Committee to
establish clear links with statebased Chytridiomycosis Threat
Abatement Teams (or their
equivalent), and with relevant
regional and local bodies that
are responsible for management
of infection with the amphibian
chytrid, to ensure that clear lines
of communication are
established that promote and
manage best practice in onground actions (Category 4).
Key stakeholder comments
Achievement
Jurisdiction situation
Largely no comment was provided on
this action. Vic. thought it was not
relevant to them, while a
representative from Qld thought it
seemed essential but to their
knowledge thought it had not
occurred.
Effectiveness of Action
No comment was provided on the
effectiveness of this action by
stakeholders. Given that a committee
has not been developed yet, this action
could be seen as ineffective for the
current TAP.
Largely no comment was provided on
this action. However, the National
Action Plan for Australian Frogs was
suggested to be out of date, due to it
being written prior to a
comprehensive understanding of the
role of chytrid fungus. This action
was seen as essential, and while it
was not known to have occurred, the
plan being re-written was proposed
instead of just a revision.
The National Action Plan is in need of
revision, as it predates the
understanding of the role of the
disease. While this is still considered
essential, given that no attempts to
revise the National Action Plan are
evident, this action has been
ineffective.
The National Action Plan for Australian Frogs has not
been revised.
There are no state –based
Chytridiomycosis Threat Abatement
teams or their equivalent. ACT
reported that due to the small size of
the jurisdiction, communication lines
are well established and clear
between land managers and wildlife
researchers.
While communication lines are clear
and present in ACT, the large body of
knowledge and management tools
developed separately within each
jurisdiction may be underutilised due to
a lack of links between relevant bodies.
Without well established pathways and
links between states/regions and local
groups, the lack of information flow
indicates this action must be
ineffective.
The establishment of such links is undoubtedly essential to
an informed national co-ordination of chytrid
management. Given that much of the information is
available, there may be no/low cost of identifying key
players to act as channels (so people are the key points of
contacts/areas) so that information flow can start to better
inform management decisions on all levels from state to
local.
The proposed communication strategy and the formation
of the National Chytrid Group would also expect to
contribute to the achievement of this action.
Implementation of this action could be considered in a
revision of the TAP.
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Item 12.1.3
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
4.5.3.2
Assessment of contribution to change of threat
The objectives of this action group have not yet been met. However, a stakeholder working group consisting of a broad selection of people
representing all states and territories, from both state and federal government agencies, as well as leading researchers, was formed at the May 2012
workshop. It is proposed that this group will be called the National Chytrid Group and take on the role and responsibilities of the proposed
Amphibian Diseases Threat Abatement Committee.
The formation of this stakeholder working group has provided some progress towards the actions of this group being met in the future. The
Commonwealth would be expected to support this group and have an ongoing coordination role in the actions under this objective.
4.5.4 Conclusion of assessment of contribution to change of threat from Objective 5
In conclusion, this review has found that overall Objective 5: Coordination of management activities has achieved little towards a change of threat
since the TAP was made in 2006. Many of the actions under this objective require implementation at the regional and state level but coordination
efforts are needed at the national level.
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Item 12.1.3
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660
661
662
663
664
665
666
667
668
669
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
5.
Funding and implementation of TAP
The Australian Government funded, through EPBC Act appropriation, the following seven
projects targeted specifically to key TAP actions:
1. “Emerging Amphibian Diseases and Disease Surveillance in Queensland – Stage 1
(January 2006 – January 2007 2010). James Cook University. $50,000 (2005-06).
2. “Emerging Amphibian Diseases and Disease Surveillance in Queensland – Stage 2
(February 2007 – April 2010). James Cook University. $41,400 (2006-07).
3. Experimental research to obtain a better understanding of the potential presence and
impact of new amphibian diseases in the Wet Tropics, Australia - Stage 1. CSIRO.
$385,371 (2006-07)
4. “Amphibian chytrid related research”. Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research
Centre. $128,130 (2008-09).
5. “Development and validation of a rapid field test to detect the chytrid fungus
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis at a high specificity and sensitivity, for use in surveys to
determine the distribution of chytridiomycosis”. Taronga Conservation Society Australia.
$38,038 (2010-11).
6. “Hygiene protocols for the control of diseases in Australian frogs” and “Guidelines for
minimising disease risks associated with captive breeding, raising and restocking
programs for Australian frogs”. James Cook University. $34,978 (2010-11).
7. Preparation of a disease strategy manual for amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium
dendrobatidis. James Cook University. $44,000 (2011-12).
The Australian Government Caring for our Country program has funded ten projects targeting
the recovery of threatened frogs and amphibians. These projects total $718,009. Two of the
projects specifically identify chytrid in their project summaries and the others include general
actions to assist in the recovery of the threatened species. This includes feral animal and
weed control, revegetation and other actions to improve water quality in wetlands etc. A
further seven projects that generally improve habitat for native Australian frogs have also
been funded, with a total value of $124,645. A summary of all of these projects is at
Attachment E.
The majority of funding specifically directed toward chytrid fungus research and development
has been obtained by universities through grants such as those provided by the Australian
Research Council.
A workshop of key stakeholders and experts held in May 2012 considered the issue of chytrid
fungus and the actions identified in the threat abatement plan. At that workshop the key
actions still to be undertaken were identified as: improved data collection to facilitate the
identification of the population level of threat in wild populations; a genome bank for the
cryopreservation of threatened species; continued research into the most effective methods of
mitigating and suppressing the disease in wild amphibian populations; and continued
improvement in communication on the disease. These actions will require significant funding
and resources to be achieved.
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Item 12.1.3
6.
Conclusions
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
6.1
Completion of TAP actions
692
693
694
695
696
697
698
699
700
701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715
716
717
718
719
720
721
722
723
724
725
726
727
728
729
730
731
732
6.2
684
This TAP comprises 68 actions listed under five objectives. Of these it is considered that
eight actions have been completed, 39 actions have been completed in part, and 21 actions not
completed. Where the actions have been identified as being completed in part, this is
typically because the action relates to something that needs to be done across all the
threatened species, all of the states or because only a portion of the research has been
undertaken to date.
TAP action contribution to goals and objectives
The implementation of actions in this TAP has occurred in varying degrees across all of the
objectives.
The first objective focuses on the prevention of pathogen spread. Some of the actions under
this objective were found to be no longer relevant, in part due to new knowledge about the
disease and in part due to the almost complete spread of the disease to all climatically suitable
areas throughout Australia. The stakeholders commented that at this point in time it would be
much more useful to change the focus of this objective from trying to contain the disease (the
opportunity to achieve this has passed) to suppressing and mitigating the effects of the disease
on threatened amphibian populations. However, some good work has been achieved under
this objective, such as the development of hygiene protocols and a national disease strategy.
The second objective focuses on recovery of listed threatened species. There has been
important work undertaken during the life of this TAP to minimise the threat to and improve
the recovery of listed threatened amphibian species, mainly through the development of
captive breeding programs, but there is still much to be done. Priorities to be addressed
include: coordinated monitoring and surveillance programs; captive breeding and
reintroduction protocols for individual species; and the establishment of a genome bank. The
majority of the work to date has been supported by funding from independent sources and its
completion and implementation requires further funding and resources. When assessing
actions taken under this objective the conclusion is that the actions have made a very limited
contribution to threat abatement. There is no evidence to suggest an improvement in the
status of any of the identified threatened amphibians. None of the threatened frog species
listed at the time of the making of the TAP in 2006 have decreased in their threatened status.
However, four species have increased in their threatened status since 2006, including one
species being added to the threatened list. In many cases, there has been insufficient
monitoring and evaluation of the species to understand the population dynamics and there
may also be other significant threats to those species, such as habitat loss, meaning that the
species has not had a chance to recover. It is also not possible to determine whether chytrid
fungus is likely to become a key threatening process to amphibians that are currently not
threatened.
The third objective focuses on the research and monitoring required to further increase our
knowledge of chytrid fungus. Overall the review concludes that we now understand more
about the disease, including through the development of diagnostic tools and management
techniques for species that continue to decline due to chytrid fungus, but limited funding and
resources are restricting the achievement of many of the actions under this objective. For
example, it is critically important for the national management of chytrid fungus into the
future that Australia have a national quality accredited laboratory facility(ies) such as AAHL.
Additional answers are needed regarding the transmission, reservoirs and possible vectors of
72 of 91
Item 12.1.3
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742
743
744
745
746
747
748
the disease and also the apparent resistance that some individuals demonstrate. The
conclusion for this objective is that some progress has been made during the life of the TAP
but further action is critical.
749
750
751
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
6.3
771
772
773
774
775
776
777
778
779
780
781
6.4
The fourth objective of stakeholder communication has not been met. Stakeholders report that
reporting and information sharing is not undertaken in any formal or structured way and due
to lack of resources the information on the central website specified in the objective has not
been updated since 2008. However, during the review process the stakeholders met and
developed a potential communication strategy to progress this objective and facilitate
improved communication. This has the potential to provide a central website for public
information and also an essential conduit between all stakeholders.
The fifth objective focuses on coordination of management actions and strategies. The review
found that little has been achieved under this objective since the TAP was made in 2006.
Many of the actions under this objective require implementation at the regional and state level
but coordination efforts are needed at the national level.
TAP goals
The TAP has two goals of to prevent amphibian populations or regions that are currently
chytridiomycosis-free from becoming infected by preventing further spread of the amphibian
chytrid within Australia; and to decrease the impact of infection with the amphibian chytrid
fungus on populations that are currently infected.
While there has been progress made on some of the actions identified in the TAP, such as the
development of hygiene protocols, a rapid field test to detect the chytrid fungus and some
research undertaken into the disease, it cannot be concluded that either of the two goals have
been met. The amphibian chytrid fungus has spread to almost all of the climatically suitable
areas in Australia, aside from a few isolated areas, for example the TWWHA. There is no
evidence to suggest an improvement in the status of any of the identified threatened
amphibians. None of the threatened frog species listed at the time of the making of the TAP in
2006 have decreased in their threatened status. However, four species have increased in their
threatened status since 2006, including one species being added to the threatened list. In many
cases, there has been insufficient monitoring and evaluation of the species to understand the
population dynamics and there may also be other significant threats to those species, such as
habitat loss, meaning that the species has not had a chance to recover.
In conclusion, the assessment of the review, as to whether the TAP has abated the threat from
chytrid fungus to threatened amphibian species, is that the threat is still current and has not
abated.
Outstanding issues
The key outstanding actions required under the TAP are: improved data collection to facilitate
the identification of the population level of threat in wild populations; a genome bank for the
cryopreservation of threatened species; continued research into the most effective methods of
mitigating and suppressing the disease in wild amphibian populations; and improvement in
communication on the disease. These actions were identified by the key stakeholders during
the consultation phase of the review process. There are other actions that were also identified
as warranting attention.
On the research side there are still significant gaps in our knowledge about the virus
characteristics, apparent immunity of some frog species and populations, and transmission
73 of 91
Item 12.1.3
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783
784
785
786
787
788
789
790
791
792
793
794
795
796
797
798
799
800
801
factors including host factors, environment factors, population dynamics and other species as
reservoirs of the virus.
A lack of funding is severely limiting the implementation of many threat abatement actions
required under the TAP. For example, it is critically important for the national management of
chytrid into the future that Australia has a well funded, fully resourced national quality
accredited laboratory facility(ies) such as AAHL. The coordination of management actions
and strategies is also required.
As for recovery planning there are still gaps for some species in knowing whether chytrid
fungus is a significant threat and, for other species, what the impact is on a population level
relative to other threats. Even for those species where chytrid has been identified as a threat,
there is insufficient on-ground action to counter the threat.
There is some limited communication and information exchange occurring on chytrid fungus.
However, the review identified that this has been very ad hoc, should be better coordinated
nationally and needs to be considered in the future management of chytrid fungus. There will
be an ongoing challenge to ensure good communication continues with many other issues
demanding the time of those people interested in abating the threat of chytrid fungus.
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Alford RA, Skerratt LF, Berger L, Speare R, Bell S, Kenyon N, Rowley JJL, Hauselberger K,
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892
McDonald KR, Bolitho E, Dennis A, Simpson N and Winter JW (2000). Recovery plan for
the magnificent broodfrog Pseudophryne covacevichae 2000-2004. Unpublished
report to Environment Australia, Canberra.
Heard GW, Scroggie MP & Clemann N (2012). Correlates and consequences of
chytridiomycosis for populations of the Growling Grass Frog in peri-urban
Melbourne. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Unpublished Report to
DSE Port Phillip Region, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Heidelberg,
Victoria [Draft]
Howard K, Antrobus J & Clemann N. (2010). The status of the threatened Alpine Tree Frog
Litoria verreauxii alpina after the Black Saturday fires at Lake Mountain and Mount
Bullfight Nature Conservation Reserve. Department of Sustainability and
Environment, Heidelberg, Victoria
76 of 91
Item 12.1.3
893
894
895
Murray KA, Skerratt LF, Speare R, McCallum H(2009). Impact and dynamics of disease in
species threatened by the amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.
Conservation Biology 23: 1242-1252.
896
897
898
Murray KA, Skerratt LF, Speare R, McCallum H (2010a). Evidence of effects of endemic
chytridiomycosis on host survival, behavior, and emigration: reply to Schmidt.
Conservation Biology 24: 900-902.
899
900
901
902
903
Murray KA, Retallick R, McDonald KR, Mendez D, Aplin K, Kirkpatrick P, Berger L,
Hunter D, Hines HB, Campbell R, Pauza M, Driessen M, Speare R, Richards
SJ, Mahony M, Freeman A, Phillott AD, Hero J-M, Driscoll D, Puschendorf R,
Skerratt LF. (2010b). The distribution and host range of the pandemic disease
chytridiomycosis in Australia spanning surveys from 1956 to 2007. Ecology 91: 1557.
904
905
906
Murray KA, Rosauer D, McCallum H, Skerratt LF (2011a). Integrating species traits with
extrinsic threats: closing the gap between predicting and preventing species declines.
Proceedings of the Royal Society B-Biological Sciences 278: 1515-1523.
907
908
909
Murray KA, Skerratt LF, Garland S, Kriticos DJ, McCallum H. in review. Whether (and how)
the weather drives patterns of endemic amphibian chytridiomycosis: a pathogen
proliferation approach.
910
911
912
913
Murray KA, Skerratt L, Marantelli G, Berger L, Hunter D, Mahony M and Hines H (2011b).
Guidelines for minimising disease risks associated with captive breeding, raising and
restocking programs for Australian frogs. A report for the Australian Government
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
914
915
916
917
Murray KA, Skerratt LF, Marantelli G, Berger L, Hunter D, Mahony M, Hines H (2011c).
Hygiene protocols for the control of diseases in Australian frogs.
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/pubs/frogshygiene-protocols.pdf. Report no.
918
919
920
921
Murray KA, Retallick RWR, Puschendorf R, Skerratt LF, Rosauer D, McCallum H, Berger L,
Speare R, VanDerWal J (2011d). Assessing spatial patterns of disease risk to
biodiversity: implications for the management of the amphibian pathogen,
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Journal of Applied Ecology 48: 163-173.
922
923
924
Murray KA, Retallick RWR, Puschendorf R, Skerratt LF, Rosauer D, McCallum H, Berger L,
Speare R, VanDerWal J (2011e). Issues with modelling the current and future
distribution of invasive pathogens. Journal of Applied Ecology 48: 177-180.
925
926
927
928
929
930
931
932
933
Murray KA and Skerratt LF (2012). Predicting wild hosts for amphibian chytridiomycosis:
integrating host life-history traits with pathogen environmental requirements. Human
and Ecological Risk Assessment 18: 200-224
934
935
936
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001). Yellow-spotted Bell Frog (Litoria
castanea) and Peppered Tree Frog (Litoria piperata) recovery plan. NPWS,
Hurstville, NSW.
937
938
939
Phalen D, Slapeta J, King J, Rose K (2011). Development and validation of a rapid field test
to detect the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis at a high specificity and
sensitivity, for use in surveys to determine the distribution of Chytridiomycosis.
77 of 91
Notomi et al. (2000)
North, S And Alford R, (2008). Infection intensity and sampling locality affect
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis distribution among body regions on green-eyed tree
frogs Litoria genimaculata. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 81, 177-188.
Item 12.1.3
940
941
942
Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia,
Mosman New South Wales. A report for the Australian Government Department of
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
943
944
945
Phillips A, Voyles, J, Wilson D and Driessen M (2010). Tasmanian Chytrid Management
Plan. Published by Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment,
Tasmania.
946
947
948
Pessier AP and JR Mendelson (eds.) (2010). A Manual for Control of Infectious Diseases in
Amphibian Survival Assurance Colonies and Reintroduction Programs. IUCN/SSC
Conservation Breeding Specialist Group: Apple Valley, MN.
949
950
951
Puschendorf R, Hoskin CJ, Cashins SD, McDonald KR, Skerratt LF, Vanderwal J, Alford RA
(2011). Environmental refuge from disease-driven amphibian extinction.
Conservation Biology 25:956-964.
952
953
954
Skerratt LF, Berger L, Hines HB, McDonald KR, Mendez D, Speare R (2008). Survey
protocol for detecting chytridiomycosis in all Australian frog populations. Diseases of
Aquatic Organisms 80: 85-94.
955
956
957
Skerratt LF, McDonald KR, Hines HB, Berger L, Mendez D, Phillott A, Cashins SD, Murray
KA, Speare R (2010a). Validation of the mapping protocol for Batrachochytrium
dendrobatidis in Queensland, Australia Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 92: 117-129.
958
959
960
961
962
963
964
965
Skerratt LF, Phillott AD, Cashins SD, Webb R, Puschendorf R, Windmiller, B, James R,
Robbins A, Berger L, Voyles J, Speare R, Alford RA, McDonald K, Mendez D,
VanDerWal J and Garland S (2010b). Final report to Department of the Environment
and Heritage on RFT 42/2004 Experimental research to obtain a better understanding
of the epidemiology, transmission and dispersal of amphibian chytrid fungus in
Australian ecosystems Accessed Sept 2011. Available from:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/pubs/amphibian-chytridfungus.pdf
966
967
968
Skerratt LF, Mendez D, McDonald K, Garland S, Livingstone J, Berger L, Speare R (2011).
Validation of diagnostic tests in wildlife: the case of chytridiomycosis in wild
amphibians. Journal of Herpetology 45: 444-450.
969
970
971
972
973
Shoo LP, Olson DH, McMenamin SK, Murray KA, Van Sluys M, Donnelly MA, Stratford D,
Terhivuo J, Merino-Viteri A, Herbert SM, Bishop PJ, Corn PS, Dovey L, Griffiths
RA, Lowe K, Mahony M, McCallum H, Shuker JD, Simpkins C, Skerratt LF,
Williams SE, Hero J-M. (2011). Engineering a future for amphibians under climate
change. Journal of Applied Ecology, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2010.01942.x.
974
975
976
Stice MJ and BriggsCJ (2010). Immunization is ineffective at preventing infection and
mortality due to the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 46(1): 70-77.
977
978
979
980
981
982
983
984
Stockwell M (2011) PhD Thesis - Impact and mitigation of the emerging infectious disease
chytridiomycosis on the endangered green and golden bell frog. The University of
Newcastle.
Turner R, Suitor L and Marsland K (2011). Southern Bell Frog (Litoria raniformis) Census
and Community Engagement Project in the Lower River Murray, South Australia. A
Report for the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources
Management Board, Murray Bridge.
78 of 91
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985
986
987
988
989
990
991
992
993
Van Sluys M, Kriger KM, Phillott AD, Campbell R, Skerratt LF, Hero JM (2008). Storage of
samples at high temperatures reduces the amount of amphibian chytrid fungus
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis DNA detectable by PCR assay. Diseases of Aquatic
Organisms 81, 93-97.
Woodhams DC et al (2012). Treatment of amphibians infected with chytrid fungus: learning
from failed trials with itraconazole, antimicrobial peptides, bacteria, and heat therapy.
Diseases of aquatic organisms 98, no. 1
79 of 91
Item 12.1.3
994
995
996
997
998
999
1000
1001
1002
1003
1004
1005
1006
1007
1008
1009
1010
1011
1012
1013
1014
1015
1016
1017
1018
1019
1020
1021
1022
1023
1024
1025
1026
1027
1028
1029
1030
1031
1032
Attachment A: amphibian chytrid fungus websites
Australian Government website resources:

Threat Abatement Plan:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/tap/chytrid.html

Hygiene protocols for the control of diseases in Australian frogs:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/frogs-hygieneprotocols.html

Guidelines for minimising disease risks associated with captive breeding, raising and
restocking programs for Australian frogs:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/frogs-captivebreeding.html

Development and validation of a rapid field test to detect the chytrid fungus
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis at a high specificity and sensitivity, for use in surveys to
determine the distribution of Chytridiomycosis:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/chytrid-fungus-fieldtest.html

Further information on amphibian chytrid fungus:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/ktp/frog-fungus.html

Emerging amphibian diseases and disease surveillance in Queensland - Stage 2 (February
2007 – April 2010):
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/60776-emergingamphibian-diseases.html

Emerging amphibian diseases and disease surveillance in Queensland - Stage 1 (January
2006 - January 2007):
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/threat-abatementprojects/cerf-emerging-amphibian-diseases.html

Poster: http://www.environment.gov.au/about/publications/index-posters.html#invasive
State and territory government website information:
Government Information
Website link
available
ACT
Factsheet
http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/1
58200/MR256_0709_Corroboree_frog_breeding_progra
Vm.pdf (accessed 17/7/2012)
NSW
Statement of
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/threatened
Intent;
species/09479soi2chytrid.pdf (accessed 17/7/2012)
Key threatening
process listing
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/amphibianc
hytridktplisting.htm (accessed 17/7/2012)
80 of 91
Item 12.1.3
NT
Listed as a threat
to green tree frog
on website
http://www.nretas.nt.gov.au/plants-andanimals/animals/native/common/frog (accessed
17/7/2012)
Qld
Northern
Queensland
Threatened Frogs
Recovery Team
(NQTFRT),
2001) [State
Recovery Plan];
Recovery Plan for the stream-dwelling rainforest frogs of the wet
tropics biogeographic region of north-east Queensland 2000 - 2004
(accessed 17/7/2012)
http://wetlandinfo.derm.qld.gov.au/wetlands/factsfigures/
Individual frog
species fact sheets FloraAndFauna/Species/litoria-rheocola.html (1 example
of the factsheets - accessed 17/7/2012)
SA
Tas.
Vic.
WA
Various recovery
plans
Tasmanian
Chytrid
Management
Plan;
Unable to obtain link to pdf documents
Listed as a threat
to wildlife on
website;
http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/LJEM673V89?open (accessed 17/7/2012)
Report on
Amphibian
Chytrid Fungus in
the TWWHA
Guidelines for
managing
Growling Grass
Frog;
Action Statement
for Booroolong
Frog;
Media release –
Spotted Tree
Frogs
http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/Attachments/LJEM7BY3CR?open (accessed 17/7/2012
Assessment of
chytrid fungus in
frogs Ord River
Irrigation Area
Report (2005)
http://www.dsd.wa.gov.au/documents/HLA_(2005c)_Chy
trid_Fungus_report.pdf (accessed 17/7/2012)
http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/Publications/LJEM8887EH?open
(accessed 17/7/2012)
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/12
8902/ARI-Technical-Series-GGF-guidelines-2010.pdf
(accessed 17/7/2012)
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/10
3199/118_Booroolong_Frog_2001.pdf (accessed
17/7/2012)
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/about-dse/mediareleases/spotted-tree-frogs-hop-back-to-top-spot
(accessed 17/7/2012)
1033
1034
81 of 91
Item 12.1.3
1035
1036
1037
1038
1039
1040
1041
1042
1043
1044
1045
1046
1047
1048
1049
1050
1051
1052
1053
1054
1055
1056
1057
1058
1059
1060
1061
1062
1063
1064
1065
1066
Other websites with information about amphibian chytrid fungus. Note that this list is not
exhaustive but is illustrative of the interested parties in Australia.
Australian Wildlife Health Network:
Chytrid factsheet:
http://www.wildlifehealth.org.au/AWHN_Admin/ManageWebsite/FactSheets/UploadedFiles/
120/Chytridiomycosis%208%20Aug%202009%20(2.1).pdf (accessed 17/7/2012).
Bulletin Board:
http://www.wildlifehealth.org.au/AWHN/Forum/ListPosting.aspx?TopicID=48 (accessed
17/7/2012).
Frogs Australia:
http://www.frogsaustralia.net.au/conservation/disease.cfm (accessed 17/7/2012).
Amphibian Research Centre
http://frogs.org.au/arc/ (accessed 17/7/2012).
Victorian Frog Group:
http://frogs.org.au/vfg/features/fungus2001.html (accessed 17/7/2012).
Amphibian Diseases Home Page
http://www.jcu.edu.au/school/phtm/PHTM/frogs/ampdis.htm (accessed 17/7/2012).
Frogwatch – ACT
http://www.ginninderralandcare.org.au/frogwatch (accessed 17/7/2012).
James Cook University:
http://www.jcu.edu.au/ (too many reports and links to list – see reference list of this review
report)
82 of 91
Item 12.1.3
1067
1068
Attachment B: Map of the distribution of chytridiomycosis (with dates of
first detection)
1069
1070
1071
From Murray et al (2010)
83 of 91
Item 12.1.3
1072
1073
1074
1075
1076
1077
1078
1079
1080
1081
1082
1083
1084
1085
1086
1087
1088
1089
1090
1091
1092
1093
1094
1095
1096
1097
1098
1099
1100
1101
1102
1103
1104
1105
1106
1107
1108
1109
1110
1111
Attachment C – Critical gaps in knowledge about chytrid fungus
Fungus characteristics/infection
 Trigger points required to establish infection and/or cause extinction of a population
 Role of probiotics
 Differences between strains of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
 Role of skin bacteria in resistance to infection
 Role of temperature, heavy metals and salinity to reduce infection
Immunity
 Levels of acquired and innate immunity is extremely variable – why?
 Why are naive populations naive?
 Understand ‘secure’ populations within infected areas
Transmission
Host factors
 Presence of clinically normal carriers and their role in disseminating the zoospores
Environment
 Rates of persistence of fungal spores in different environments
 Why is the situation in WA so different
Population dynamics
 Effects of endemic chytrid infection on population viability analyses
 Effects of endemic infection on survivorship in common species and how this might change in
fragmented populations or endangered species
 Spatial and landscape dynamics of infection
 Minimum population size required to initiate and maintain infection - influence of spatial,
temporal and landscape effects
Reservoir species/other species
 Reservoir species - do they exist naturally and what is the effect?
 Can non-amphibian species carry/disseminate infection?
 Cross-species transmission - rates, virulence, dynamics of infection, the interplay between
different populations and species
Survival assurance strategies
 Develop protocols for captive bred populations of at risk species
 Pilot programs for successful reintroduction – habitat modification, bio-augmentation
 Evaluate risks and benefits of translocations and reintroductions
84 of 91
Item 12.1.3
1112
Attachment D: Recovery plans and other advices
TAP Species
Listing
advice
exists
Rheobatrachus silus
southerngastricbrooding frog (EX)
x
Conserva
tion
advice
exists
x
Recove
ry plan
exists
Recovery plan
mentions
State or
territory
plan exists

Major cause of decline
and an objective of the
recovery plan
x
Rheobatrachus
vitellinus
northern gastricbrooding
frog/Eungella gastric
– brooding frog (EX)
Taudactylus
acutirostris
sharp-snouted day
fog/ sharp- snouted
torrent frog (EX)
Taudactylus diurnus
southern day frog/ Mt
Glorious torrent frog
(EX)
Litoria lorica
armoured mistfrog
(CE)
x
x

Investigation of Chytrid
is an action under this
plan
x
x
x

Most likely cause of
some declines and an
action under this plan
x
x
x

Major cause of decline
and an objective of the
recovery plan
x
Litoria nyakalensis
mountain mistfrog
(CE)

Taudactylus pleione
Kroombit tinker frog/
Pleione’s torrent frog
(CE)


Listing
advice
mentions
Chytrid
main
cause of
decline
Chytrid
contribute
d to the
decline
Chytrid
contribute
d to the
decline
Conservation
advice mentions

Chytrid main
cause of decline

Most likely cause of
some declines and an
action under this plan
x

Chytrid
contributed to the
decline

Most likely cause of
some declines and an
action under this plan
x

Major cause of decline
and an objective of the
recovery plan
QLD
x
State or territory
plan mentions
Undetermined
(fault in website)
85 of 91
Item 12.1.3

Geocrinia alba
white-bellied
frog/creek frog (E)
Litoria
booroolongensis
Booroolong frog (E)
x
Litoria castanea
yellow-spotted tree
frog/ yellow-spotted
bell frog (E)
Litoria myola
Kuranda tree frog (E)
x
Litoria nannotis
waterfall frog/ torrent
tree frog (E)
Litoria rheocola
common mistfrog (E)
x
x
Only
Chytrid
TAP

x
x

Litoria spenceri
spotted tree frog (E)
x
x

Mixophyes fleayi
Fleay’s frog (E)
x
x

Mixophyes iteratus
giant barred frog/
southern barred frog
(E)
Nyctimystes dayi
lace-eyed tree frog/
Australian lacelid
Philoria frosti
Baw Baw Frog (E)
x
x

x
x

x
x



x
Chytrid
contribute
d to the
decline

Chytrid
contributed to the
decline
Potential
threat

Only
Chytrid
TAP

x
Potential threat
No mention
Mentions disease but
not chytrid specifically
x
NSW &
VIC
Chytrid potential
cause factor for
declines in frogs
NSW
Chytrid potential
cause factor for
declines in frogs
x
Most likely cause of
some declines and an
action under this plan
Most likely cause of
some declines and an
action under this plan
Severity is not yet
determined. More as a
opportunistic
pathogen. To be
investigated.
Major cause of decline
and an objective of the
recovery plan
Major cause of decline
and an objective of the
recovery plan
Most likely cause of
some declines and an
action under this plan
Significance is
unknown but an action
in the plan
x
x
NSW & VIC
mentioned
NSW
mentioned
NSW &QLD
Not mentioned (fault
in website)
x
VIC
Not mentioned
86 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Pseudophryne
corroboree
southern corroboree
frog (E)
Spicospina
flammocaerulea
sunset frog (E)
Taudactylus
eungellensis
Eungella day frog (E)
Taudactylus
rheophilus
Tinkling frog (E)
Geocrinia vitellina
orange-bellied frog
(V)
Heleioporus
australiacus
giant burrowing frog
(V)
Litoria aurea
green and golden
bell frog (V)
Litoria littlejohni
Littlejohn’s tree frog/
Heath frog (V)
Litoria olongburensis
Wallum Sedge frog
(V)
Litoria piperata
peppered tree frog
(V)
x
x

x
x
x
Investigation
of Chytrid is
a action
under this
plan
x
x

Could be a cause but
not yet determined it
will be an action under
this plan
x
x

x
x
x

Most likely cause of
some declines and an
action under this plan
Not mentioned
x
x
x
NSW & VIC
mentioned
x
x
x
NSW
mentioned
x

x
NSW
mentioned
x
x

NSW
mentioned
x
x

NSW
mentioned
Considered a
threat
Could be a cause but
not yet determined it
will be an action under
this plan
Potential threat
considered and
considered as a action
plan
Disease is mentioned
but not actually chytrid
NSW
Mentioned
WA
Not mentioned
x
87 of 91
Item 12.1.3
Litoria raniformis
growling grass
frog/southern bell
frog/ green and
golden frog/ warty
swamp frog (V)
Litoria verreauxii
alpina
Alpine tree frog/
Verreaux’s Alpine
tree frog (V)
Mixophyes balbus
stuttering
frog/southern barred
frog (In Vic. only) (V)
Pseudophryne
covacevichae
magnificent brood
frog (V)
Pseudophryne
pengilleyi
northern corroboree
frog (V)
x
x
x
NSW &SA &
TAS & VIC
mentioned
x
x
x
NSW
mentioned
x
x

Most likely cause of
some declines and an
action under this plan
NSW
mentioned
x
x

Not mentioned
x
x
x
x
ACT & NSW
Mentioned
1113
88 of 91
Item 12.1.3
1114
Attachment E: Caring for our Country projects targeting threatened amphibian species identified in the TAP.
Grant
*2010-2011
OC11-01420
* 2007/2008
Proponent
State
Title
Project description
Value
Southern Regional
Natural Resource
Management
Association
TAS
This project will deliver an integrated approach to minimise the spread of chytrid, platypus mucor and other key
freshwater and terrestrial pests and pathogens in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
$599 615
NRM
VIC
TWWHA Biosecurity
Program - Tackling
Chytrid, Mucor and
Similar
Biosecurity Risks
Vanishing Frogs Chytrid fungus
This project will survey frog species across the Australian Alps for the amphibian chytridiomycosis fungus. Surveys
will be undertaken for new populations of the Alpine Tree Frog and the Common Froglet to better understand the
distribution and relationship of these species. Appropriate linkages with the Glenelg Hopkins CMA project on chytrid
fungus (see GH0607.09.13 Innovations and Future Directions – Innovation) should be developed.
$48,137
Murray Catchment
Management
Authority
NSW
Threatened Aquatic
Species Recovery in
the
Upper Murray
Droughts, flooding, Carp invasion and Willow infestation have caused major declines in populations of Southern
Pygmy Perch and Booroolong Frogs in the Upper Murray Catchment and across NSW. This project will enhance
recovery of the populations in Coppabella Creek by addressing critical threats to remnant populations and restoring
key habitat areas.
$189,332
Lachlan
Catchment
Management
Authority
NSW
Fish, Frogs n Hollow
Logs - Nurturing
Threatened Aquatic
Species in the Lachlan
Blakney Creek has been identified as a hotspot for endangered aquatic species, including the recently found yellow
spotted bell frog. The resilience of these endangered aquatic species will be increased through the rehabilitation and
conservation of suitable habitat that will link isolated populations. An engagement strategy will support farm planning
and a monitoring program will demonstrate successes.
$242,00
Albury
Conservation Co
Ltd
Woolshed/Thurgo
ona Landcare
Group
NSW
Supporting the special
biodiversity of
Thurgoona/ Woolshed
Creek
This project contributes to the long term protection and enhancement of biodiversity in the Thurgoona/Woolshed area
as Albury continues to expand into farmland. The area is special: The Thurgoona Threatened Species Conservation
Strategy (2005) lists 118 native birds, six of which are listed as threatened, as well as good populations of the
threatened squirrel glider. Recently the vulnerable (NSW) sloane’s froglet has also been identified in some farm
dams and wetlands around Thurgoona but distribution is patchy. As well as environmental outcomes there is
opportunity for biodiversity protection and enhancement to catalyse continued and growing cooperation between
urban, peri-urban
Application
Software
Engineering Pty
Ltd
NSW
68276
2012-2013
OC13-00525
2011-2012
OC12-00326
2011/2012
CAG-726524-660
2011/2012
CAG-723012-570
OPS Frog Ponds and
Waterways weed
eradication and
revegetation
programme.
This project aims to halt degradation of lowland rainforest (an Endangered Ecological Community) focussing on the
waterway. This waterway contains a series of established frog ponds currently being invaded by a number of Weeds
of National Significance e.g. gleditsia. We will employ professional bush regenerators to train and oversee groups of
community volunteers in land management activities and revegetation. These activities will improve the habitat for
the 20 known species of frogs (including the green and golden bell frog and green-thighed tree frog) which have
been recorded in this waterway. This project will culminate in a field day to promote the project's land management
achievements and to further raise environmental awareness amongst the wider community.
$19,400
$17,730
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Item 12.1.3
Grant
2011/2012
CAG-720071-354
2011/2012
CAG-719549-305
2011/2012
Proponent
State
Title
Project description
Value
VFF Farm Tree &
Landcare
Association Inc
VIC
VFF Farm Tree &
Landcare Association
Inc
This project aims to protect and enhance native habitat in the Lismore Landcare network area of the Victorian
Volcanic Plains, including threatened species habitat protection and enhancement for Corangamite water skink,
growling grass frog (green and gold bell frog), striped legless lizard and brolga. Protective fencing of remnant native
grassland vegetation, natural wetlands and stony barriers will enhance native habitat value by separating significant
areas from more cultivated areas of farms. This project will also involve weed control and additional planting of
indigenous species (where appropriate).
$17,830
Holbrook
Landcare Group
NSW
Frogs and Fertiliser
This project will provide research results and extension to improve riparian condition and habitat. The project will
focus on threatened and endangered fish and amphibians, in the upper reaches of the Murray Darling Basin, target
species are great bio indicators of healthy waterways. The project will add to existing local CSIRO research on the
impact of revegetation work on remnant threatened woodlands and land based fauna. Information on the value of
riparian plantings for aquatic ecosystems will add significantly to the landscape picture. Community engagement will
reinforce the importance of fragile riparian ecosystems. The project will compliment a strategic fertiliser project to limit
nutrient loss into the air and water
Northern Midlands
Council
TAS
Longford Mill Dam
Riparian and
Conservation
Reconstruction Project
The aim of this project is to improve bank and flood plain stability along a section of the lower South Esk River in
Northern Tasmania to reduce sediment deposition downstream. Works will include planting native shrubs and trees,
grasses and sedges. Also filling and direct seeding strips along the banks which were scoured during recent
successive floods. These works will in the long term support multiple outcomes of improved water quality (beneficial
for all) and habitat value outcomes for species including the green and gold frog.
Noosa
Integrated
Catchment
Association Inc
QLD
Re-establish
ecological habitat and
biodiversity of
Seaview Creek
Reserve, a wildlife
corridor and habitat of
vulnerable acid frogs,
by weeding
revegetation and
rehabilitation
The project will re‐establish habitat and biodiversity by weeding, revegetation and rehabilitation in the Seaview Creek
Reserve. This reserve is the only permanent water and wildlife corridor, linking the Noosa National Park and dune
foreshore for seven kilometres. Weeds smothering the riparian vegetation inhibit wildlife passage and excess
nutrients inhibit wallum froglet breeding. Due to the sensitive nature of the aquatic ecosystem, contractors and
volunteers will weed by hand with minimal use of herbicides. Local provenance plants will be propagated, planted
and maintained by volunteers and Landcare members. The community will be engaged through leaflets, word of
mouth and meetings that address invasive weeds and their safe removal. The local council will remove rubbish and
Noosa Water Watch will monitor water quality. Volunteers will maintain rehabilitated areas. Signage at the lower
creek, boardwalk and beach shower will be installed to promote awareness of vulnerable acid frogs, wildlife, clean
water, weed removal, and the impact of plastic bags and rubbish.
Village Community
Co-Operative Ltd
SA
CAG-729280-913
2010/2011
CAG10‐00780
2011/2012
CAG-7338621007
Weed Control in
Regeneration Area
Improvement of rare remnant and regenerated ecosystem. Red gum woodland with rich diverse understorey
including creek floodplain and wetland. The area contains prostrate blue devil (Eryngium vesiculosum) listed rare and
poorly known, fen sedge (Carex gaudichaudiana) and long purpleflag (Patersonia occidentalis) listed as uncommon
and is host to rich animal and birdlife including several species of frog, seasonal habitat for ibis, heron, grebe and
much more. Specific assistance sought to remove invasive weed species, lessening threat and increasing area for
regeneration and planting.
$20,000
$13,620
$9,995
$5,600
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Item 12.1.3
Grant
2011/2012
CAG-720166-366
2010/2011
CAG10‐00198
2011/2012
CAG-722101-525
2010/2011
CAG10‐00678
2010/201
CAG10‐00860
Proponent
State
Title
Project description
Westbury Working
Together Inc.
TAS
Westbury Town
Common Habitat
Diversification
The project involves the creation of a natural wetland reserve in the area known currently as the Westbury Town
Common. This community area is 12.13 hectares in size and is located on the banks and flood plain of Quamby
Brook. The area is largely cleared and grassed with minimal native vegetation. The Westbury Working Together
Committee are seeking to re-establish the natural riparian vegetation and wetlands on the site and provide
appropriate native habitat for birds, frogs and other animals as well as nurseries for fish. A diversity of habitats will
result - floodplain grasslands, billabongs, paperbark groves, shrubby forest elements, aquatic plantings and shade
over the brook. Five threatened species will be protected
Noosa
Integrated
Catchment
Association Inc
QLD
Torquay
Landcare Group
Inc
VIC
Kimberley
Toadbusters
Inc
WA
Wilson Inlet
Catchment
Committee Inc
WA
Stage three of
Riparian
Restoration
Project within
Heritage Park
The project will focus on rehabilitating a permanent freshwater lagoon vital for survival of turtles, several waterbird
species, frogs and reptiles. The lagoon is being invaded and choked by para grass. The project will engage students
from the University of the Sunshine Coast in a one week research project to study and report on the success of
regeneration projects for wildlife habitat. A community engagement process will be undertaken to raise awareness of
the value of natural environments in general and this particular area specifically. Contractors will be engaged to
rehabilitate the lagoon, halt the weed infestation and improve water quality at a rate that will not endanger the water
dependant fauna species inhabiting the lagoon. Woody weeds including lantana, camphor laurel, Easter cassia and
others will be removed to help rehabilitate the wildlife corridor from Tewantin National Park, through Heritage Park to
the Great Sandy National Park. Volunteers will continue to monitor and maintain targeted areas.
Bowman Wildlife
Corridor Stage One
This project protects and ensures the biodiversity of the tidal reach of the Spring Creek corridor, specifically along
Bowman's Track. The preparatory work involves removal of weeds (serrated tussock, a Weed of National
Significance) followed by ecological restoration and revegetation (including degraded areas) with indigenous species
(threatened Moonahs Ecological Vegetation Classes 858 endangered). The project evolves from a cultural survey
and Ecological Vegetation Classes Assessment 2009 (potential gain of 1.66 hectares). Torquay Landcare Group will
consult with the Surf Coast Shire. The project includes the installation of information and interpretation boards
outlining the Indigenous history, local flora and fauna (including aquatic), weed control, the creek, adjacent frog
ponds, and Who is John Bowman (Landcare legend).
Frontline
community
education
As the cane toad moves across Northern Australia, there has been misidentification of both cane toads and native
frogs. This project will mitigate the impacts of cane toads on biodiversity through community engagement, including
knowledge and skills on how to indentify cane toads and ways to control them. Information sessions will be held at
local schools, in Indigenous communities, and at mine and construction sites. A website will be developed, brochures
will be distributed at tourist information centres and educational advertorials placed in local newspapers.
Wilson Inlet
Catchment
Community
Support and
Engagement
The project will raise awareness and increase the appreciation of the unique biodiversity within the Wilson Inlet
catchment by holding field days, workshops and practical activities to engage the community. The local media will
promote the activities to be undertaken. Awareness raising events will be held on relevant subjects such as sub
sustainable farming planning, nutrient management, and fauna identification including birds, frogs and nocturnal
marsupials. Activities will also include feral animal and weed control. Community appreciation for the natural
environment will be enhanced to encourage protection of remnant vegetation and the creation of wildlife corridors.
The project will lead to increased productivity and sustainable agriculture while balancing the need for the protection
and enhancement of biodiversity.
Value
$10,950
$19,895
$19,800
$20,000
$19,400
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Item 12.1.3
Grant
2011/2012
CAG-721755-501
Proponent
State
Title
Project description
FrogWatch Nth Inc
NT
FrogWatch Nth Inc
The proposal is to protect the biodiversity, particularly the reptiles, of the coastal fringe of Darwin from Vesteys Beach
through to Lee Point by implementing a cane toad management strategy, combined with other habitat management,
to minimise the impact of cane toads in the area, and especially to minimise cane toad breeding. We also propose to
begin a monitoring process which will allow us to document the success of the management strategy, especially in
relation to the endangered species Varanus panoptes. Observations show that we still have species present in these
areas that have vanished from other locations in the top end. We believe this to be largely due to the success of the
Community Cane Toad Control Initiative
Value
$20,000
1115
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