As World Frog Day approaches on March 20, Auckland Council is spotlighting one of New Zealand’s most remarkable yet endangered amphibians: the Hochstetter’s frog. Known for its distinctive appearance, this tiny, speckled creature’s survival is a testament to resilience against the odds.
Auckland Council’s Environmental Services team has embarked on a vital conservation initiative to protect the Hochstetter’s frog, or pepeketua, a species classified as “At-Risk – Declining” by the Department of Conservation. This project, supported by Ngāti Manuhiri kaitiaki, will see local conservation experts collaborate with contractors to monitor and protect the frog’s remaining habitats.
Frogs are often regarded as environmental “barometers,” sensitive to changes in their surroundings. As Auckland grapples with climate change and urban development, understanding the status of this ancient amphibian could offer insights into the broader health of local ecosystems.
Senior Ecologist Alicia Wong is leading the charge on this important research. She explains that despite its impressive ability to live for more than 30 years—longer than many household pets—the Hochstetter’s frog is facing a decline in numbers.
“Although this species has fared better than its relatives, like Archey’s and Hamilton’s frogs, its population is still in decline,” Wong said. “This survey is crucial for understanding their population, distribution, and habitat needs, ensuring that conservation efforts are focused on the best areas.”
The first phase of the survey, completed last summer, focused on identifying areas with the highest potential for suitable frog habitats. The current phase, which began this week, will provide a more detailed survey of the frog populations to guide future conservation actions.
Frogs have existed for more than 360 million years, outdating even the dinosaurs, yet they are among the most threatened animals today. Hochstetter’s frog (Leiopelma hochstetteri) is one of the most evolutionarily distinct amphibians, with a lineage spanning over 70 million years. Found only in specific parts of the North Island, including the Auckland region, its conservation is now more urgent than ever.
Globally, nearly 41% of amphibian species face extinction, a rate higher than that of mammals, birds, or reptiles. Habitat destruction, climate change, and disease are major threats to frog populations worldwide.
New Zealand is home to 14 native frog species, including Archey’s frog, Hamilton’s frog, Hochstetter’s frog, and the unique Aotea/Great Barrier Island swimming frog. Hochstetter’s frog is now considered to be made up of at least 10 genetically distinct populations, although they have yet to be formally described. Auckland hosts four of these populations, including those from the Hūnua Ranges, Great Barrier Island, Waitākere Ranges, and Rodney.
Unlike their vocal relatives, Hochstetter’s frogs are voiceless and earless, preferring to stay silent. These unique amphibians are also the only species in New Zealand that thrive in aquatic habitats, inhabiting damp forests, streams, and mossy rocks.
In an effort to better understand the frog’s distribution and population in Auckland, the Environmental Services team has launched a two-year survey across multiple sites, including Department of Conservation land and private properties.
On Aotea/Great Barrier Island, Auckland Council is working with local herpetologists, the Windy Hill-Rosalie Bay Catchment Trust, and Ngāti Rehua to monitor the island’s Hochstetter’s frog population. Dr. Sabine Melzer, Senior Regional Advisor for Fauna, emphasizes the importance of the long-term monitoring program, which has been ongoing since 2012.
“This monitoring program provides vital data on population trends, helping us shape future conservation strategies for the Hochstetter’s frog,” Dr. Melzer said. “These frogs are nocturnal and rely on cool, moist environments such as streams, waterfalls, and rocky crevices for survival, but face serious threats from habitat loss, predation by invasive species, and climate change.”
The project underscores Auckland Council’s commitment to preserving the region’s unique biodiversity and supporting the survival of the Hochstetter’s frog. The initiative is a crucial step in conserving New Zealand’s rare wildlife, offering hope for this ancient species’ future.
Auckland Council is also encouraging residents to get involved in frog conservation by protecting local waterways, reducing sediment runoff, participating in predator control programs, and supporting habitat restoration efforts.
While it may not be possible to turn a frog into a prince, as Kermit the Frog famously said, “It’s not easy being green,” a little effort can go a long way in ensuring the survival of the Hochstetter’s frog for generations to come
Related topics
