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Frog Survey

Bell 2010 Protocol · 50m Transect · 5m Radius · 6 Points

Bell 2010 Protocol: Walk a 50m transect along a stream or through suitable habitat. Stop at 6 points (0m, 10m, 20m, 30m, 40m, 50m) and search a 5m radius at each point. Record species, number, and habitat type. Best conducted at night or in damp conditions.
0/6 points

Transect Points

10mStart of transect — record GPS, stream name, weather, time.
210mSearch 5m radius. Check under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and stream margins.
320mSearch 5m radius. Note habitat type and moisture level.
430mSearch 5m radius. Record any frog calls if heard.
540mSearch 5m radius. Note any pest animal evidence nearby.
650mEnd of transect — record any additional species and overall habitat quality.

NZ Frog Species — Field Guide

All four native NZ frogs (genus Leiopelma) are ancient, voiceless, and have no tadpole stage. They are among the most primitive frogs in the world. The two introduced Australian species are far more commonly encountered.

Archey's Frog

Pepeketua

Nationally Critical

NZ's most ancient frog — no tadpole stage. Tiny (37mm), brown/green mottled. Nocturnal. Found under rocks and logs in cool, damp native forest.

Coromandel, Waikato. Not present in Taranaki.

Hochstetter's Frog

Pepeketua

At Risk — Declining

Semi-aquatic. Brown with darker mottling. Found along stream margins under rocks. Has partial webbing on hind feet.

Northland to East Cape, Waikato. Possibly in Taranaki — record if found.

Hamilton's Frog

Pepeketua

Nationally Critical

Restricted to two offshore islands. Largest NZ native frog (52mm). Fully terrestrial — no webbing.

Stephens Island and Maud Island only. Not present in Taranaki.

Maud Island Frog

Pepeketua

Nationally Vulnerable

Closely related to Hamilton's Frog. Found only on Maud Island in the Marlborough Sounds.

Maud Island only. Not present in Taranaki.

Southern Bell Frog

Pakiaka

Introduced (Australia)

Large (up to 95mm), bright green with gold/brown markings. Loud 'crawk' call. Found in ponds, drains, and slow-moving water. Common in Taranaki.

Widespread across NZ including Taranaki lowlands.
Present in Taranaki — likely to be encountered

Green & Golden Bell Frog

Pakiaka

Introduced (Australia)

Similar to Southern Bell Frog. Bright green with gold stripe. Found in wetlands and ponds.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato. Rare in Taranaki.

Taranaki Frog Context

Native Leiopelma frogs are not currently confirmed in the Taranaki region. The Southern Bell Frog (introduced from Australia) is the species most likely to be encountered in lowland ponds, drains, and wetlands around New Plymouth. If any native frog is observed, this is a significant finding — record GPS, photograph carefully without handling, and report to DOC immediately.

The presence of frogs is a strong indicator of aquatic health — they are sensitive to water quality, pest pressure, and habitat fragmentation.