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Wonderful wetlands

Wetlands are important for our environment, economy and our livelihoods. They have many functions from reducing floods to producing clean water and food for humans, industry and agriculture. They provide important habitat for many animals and plants. Wetlands are the great ‘connectors’ across our landscape providing places for our enjoyment and relaxation. Regardless of whether you are doing a school or uni assignment, managing a wetland or undertaking research, you will find a wealth of information here on WetlandInfo. Read more…

WetlandInfo feature species

Crinia tinnula, Wallum froglet. Photo by Harry Hines

The feature species for September 2026 is Crinia tinnula, the wallum froglet. The wallum froglet (Crinia tinnula) is a small (up to approx. 20mm) species of frog found in the coastal habitats of Queensland and New South Wales, ranging from as far north as Bundaberg, down to the very south-east corner of the State. These frogs are highly specialised, requiring acidic (pH <6.0, sometimes low as 4.3), freshwater wetlands, such as Melaleuca swamps, sedgeland, wet or dry heathland and wallum/woodland. Unlike many other species, the wallum froglet may breed throughout any season of the year, waiting for suitable weather conditions instead of a particular period on the calendar. Therefore, it is one of the few frogs that can be heard during winter.

Due to its small size, C.tinnula can be very difficult to find, even when calling nearby. Identification is best achieved by its unique call. If spotted, it is possible to identify it by a thin, pale belly line, despite its highly variable colours and patterns and similarity to other local Crinia species. The back may be a variety of browns, greys, beiges or even red, and the underside, while typically white, can have dark patterns such as spotting or patches. This froglet also has no webbing present on its feet, and lacks padding or discs on its toes.

Additional information

• Targeted species survey guidelines - Wallum froglet Crinia tinnula
• Atlas of Living Australia
• Wallum froglet Crinia tinnula - Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee
• City of the Gold Coast - Wallum Froglet
• Australian Museum FrogID - with frog call examples.