Frogs of the Heathlands area, Cape York Peninsula

Abstract

A species list of the frog fauna surveyed at Heathlands, Cape York Peninsula, during the 1992 wet season expedition is given. In all, 16 species of frogs (15 native and one introduced species) were recorded during this survey. Melaleuca swamps, stream banks and riparian vegetation are the most important habitats for frogs in the study area. Twelve species of frogs recorded during the survey are also found on the adjacent coast of New Guinea. The association between the Heathlands' frog fauna and that of New Guinea is discussed. A range extension is recorded for Uperoleia lithomoda, and a comment on species absent from the survey is provided. The lack of true wet season rains is given as a possible reason for the absence of some burrowing species from the study area.