Researchers will return to remote bush in North East Victoria this spring to complete surveys of the fire-affected spotted tree frog.
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The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Melbourne University are considering a captive breeding program with Zoos Victoria to ensure the critically-endangered species will survive.
Teams were transported via helicopter to the Wongungarra River in March, one of seven locations surveyed.
DELWP senior natural environment programs officer Glen Johnson said it was clear bushfires, habitat impacts from following rain, and a deadly fungal disease had impacted populations.
"There is a real possibility that we will need to develop captive insurance populations, with increased resistance to the fungus, for potential longer-term reintroduction programs," he said.
Spotted tree frogs, which can live for more than 12 years, are only found in a few rocky mountain streams.
Only six of the original 14 populations, five in Victoria and one in New South Wales, are known to still persist in the wild.
One of two captive colonies was established from the last remaining male captured at Bogong Creek in NSW and females from the Kiewa River.
Follow-up surveys planned for spring are expected to confirm the need to remove a small number of frogs for additional breeding.
Melbourne University research fellow Matt West, said in addition to multiple fire impacts and the Chytrid Fungus, other threats to the species include introduced fish species.
"Bushfires can kill the frogs, but post fire heavy rainfall which causes flash flooding, sediment and debris flows, can also severely impact on egg and tadpole recruitment and the frogs' habitat," he said.
The spotted tree frog project forms part of the Victorian government's bushfire biodiversity response and recovery program.