Where do they live?

Red-crowned Toadlets are elusive little amphibians that thrive in the sandstone forests of the Sydney Basin. They live in small colonies hidden among damp crevices, rocks, logs, and thick leaf litter. They gather near creeks and dense vegetation during the breeding season, but when dry conditions set in, they use their strong hind legs to burrow into the soil in search of moisture. 

They are a 'cryptic' species, which makes them difficult to spot. Not only are they tiny, they rarely come out in the open, preferring to move quietly between cracks in the sandstone or beneath the leaf litter.

Red-crowned Toadlets are a tiny, distinctive little frog that is confined to select areas of the Sydney Basin. They are classified as vulnerable in NSW and need your help!

What do they eat?

Red-crowned Toadlets are small, ground-dwelling frogs that feed mainly on tiny invertebrates hidden in the leaf litter, such as thrips, springtails, ants, and termites. A single toadlet may consume around six termites in a day, highlighting their role as active predators in their ecosystem. 

By foraging among decaying leaves and soil, they help regulate populations of small insects and contribute to the balance of the microhabitats they inhabit. This makes them an important part of the sandstone forest ecosystem, quietly maintaining insect populations while remaining almost invisible to human observers.

What do they look like?

The Red-crowned Toadlet is among Australia’s tiniest frogs (less than 3cm!). Unlike most frogs, it lacks webbing on its fingers and toes. Its body is typically dark brown to black, marked by a striking red T-shaped patch across the head and another vivid red marking on the rump. The underside provides a sharp contrast, patterned with a marbled mix of black and white.

How can you support Red-Crowned Toadlets?

• Download the FrogID app FrogID is a fantastic app where you can record frog calls. This helps you identify which frogs are calling near you, and scientists to learn more about Australia's frogs and where they are found.
• Leave bushrock and debris where it is. Frogs require bush rock, logs, and leaf litter for habitat. Red-crowned toadlets particularly require sandstone rock from bushland in escarpment areas.
• Stay on the path: When cycling or walking through natural areas, stick to the path so you don't disturb tiny frogs that may be hiding in the leaf litter.
• Manage household chemicals: Frogs are very sensitive to water pollution and pH levels (acidity). Use minimal amounts of fertilisers and pesticides on lawns, and wash cars with water or eco-friendly soap to prevent chemicals from washing into storm drains.
• Join local clean ups: Participate in local clean up groups such as the Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew.

Fun facts

• The Red-crowned Toadlet has a soft squelch-like ‘eeeek eek’ call, that is repeated several times.
• They have a toxin that makes them poisonous to many potential predators, only bandicoots and some snakes are known to be able to feed on them. 
• Adults live for a long time compared with other amphibians, with males living between 7-8 years and females up to 15!