Green tree frog

The green tree frog is a protected species in the Northern Territory (NT). 

You should not interfere with these frogs without a permit. Read more about wildlife permits.

The green tree frog is one of Australia's most recognised and loved frogs. 

It is larger than most frogs as it grows up to 10cm long and it can live up to 16 years in captivity. 

The green tree frog usually has bright green skin, though this can be dulled depending on the environment. 

It has a white belly, gold eyes and sometimes white spots on its back.  

The frog's skin produces a fluid that is believed to be antibacterial and antiviral which may help in medicine.

The green tree frog makes a 'brawk-brawk' call.

Ecology

Green tree frogs often live in trees near a water source, swamps, grasslands and homes. 

You might find them in sinks, pipes, backyards or toilets.

The green tree frog has a diet of insects, spiders and other small frogs, geckos and mammals. 

The green tree frog relies on a long, sticky tongue to catch most of its prey.

This species is prey to many birds, lizards, snakes and mammals such as feral cats and dingoes.

Threats

While the conservation status of the green tree frog is 'least concern' it may be at threat from all of the following:

• habitat destruction
• the chytrid fungus that grows on the frog's skin and causes disease
• competition from cane toads particularly where the toad's tadpoles may takeover water sources used by the green tree frog.

Since the green tree frog has a long lifespan it is harder to see if there is a population decline.