New Zealand Frogs: Native Species, Introduced Bell Frogs & What the Law Says

New Zealand Frogs: Native Species, Introduced Bell Frogs and What the Law Says

New Zealand is home to three living native frog species, all belonging to the ancient genus *Leiopelma*. Every native frog in the country is absolutely protected under the Wildlife Act 1953, and the Department of Conservation (DOC) says it is an offence without a DOC permit to catch, hunt or kill one, buy, sell or possess it, hold it in captivity, release it, or export it. There is no legal way to keep a native frog as a pet without a DOC permit.

In contrast, the frogs calling loudly around garden ponds and waterways are introduced Australian species (*Litoria*). These introduced bell frogs and whistling frogs are classified as unprotected wildlife under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Act. When the bell frogs were moved to Schedule 5 in 2010, the announcement (as reproduced by the NZ Herpetological Society) said permits would no longer be needed to keep them in captivity, but freshwater law still means you shouldn't move tadpoles between waterways or release them (details below). For other companion species, see our guide to axolotls in New Zealand, our New Zealand reptile legal guide, and our overview of banned and restricted exotic pets.

New Zealand's Three Native Frogs (*Leiopelma*)

DOC describes *Leiopelma* as an ancient, primitive group of frogs that has changed very little in 70 million years:

1. Hochstetter's Frog: The most widespread native frog, Hochstetter's frog is semi-aquatic. DOC records sightings at Waipū in the upper North Island, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel, Waikato, the central North Island, and the Raukumara Ranges.
2. Archey's Frog: Archey's frog is the only terrestrial frog on mainland New Zealand. DOC lists it as At Risk – Declining and Globally Critically Endangered.
3. **Hamilton's Frog (*Leiopelma hamiltoni*)**: One of the world's most endangered frogs, Hamilton's frog survives naturally only on Takapourewa/Stephens Island in Cook Strait and Maud Island in the Marlborough Sounds (the Maud Island population was previously thought to be a separate species but is now treated by DOC as Hamilton's frog).

Unique Biology: Calls, Eardrums and Tadpoles

DOC points to a few features that set native frogs apart:

• No External Eardrums: Native frogs have no external eardrum on the side of the head.
• Round Eyes: They have round (not slit) eyes.
• No Regular Croaking: Native frogs do not croak regularly like most frogs.
• Tadpole Differences: Archey's and Hamilton's frogs have no tadpole stage—the embryo develops inside an egg and hatches as an almost fully formed frog. However, the semi-aquatic Hochstetter's frog does have a tadpole-like stage, and the embryos can swim after hatching.

Threats Facing Native Frogs

Native frogs are vulnerable to introduced predators such as rats, mice, pigs, stoats, and cats.

In addition, amphibian chytrid fungus has been confirmed in introduced frogs all over New Zealand and in native frogs on the Coromandel Peninsula and in Whareorino Forest. People can spread the fungus by moving soil and water around on boots, gaiters, equipment, and vehicles.

Native or Introduced? How to Tell

Three introduced Australian frog species call loudly at and around ponds in New Zealand:

• **Whistling Frog (*Litoria ewingii*)**: Has an overall brown back with a broad dark stripe from the nostril, orange thighs, and a cricket-like call.
• **Southern Bell Frog (*Litoria raniformis*)**: DOC's key notes a mid-dorsal stripe.
• **Green and Golden Bell Frog (*Litoria aurea*)**: Lacks a mid-dorsal stripe.

DOC notes that introduced frogs are easily told from native frogs by their loud mating calls, visible eardrum on the side of the head, and tadpole stage.

The Wildlife Act 1953: Native Frog Protection

The Wildlife Act protects all native frogs:

• Absolute Protection Under Section 3: Native frogs are not listed in any schedule of the Wildlife Act, so under section 3 they are absolutely protected. DOC confirms the Act covers all native birds, bats, frogs, and reptiles.
• Offences: For absolutely protected wildlife, DOC says it is an offence without a DOC permit to catch, hunt, or kill it, buy, sell, or possess it, hold it in captivity, release it, or export it. There is no legal way to keep a native frog as a pet without a permit.
• Penalties Under Section 67A: Offences involving absolutely protected wildlife carry a maximum penalty under section 67A of up to 2 years' imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 (or both) for an individual, and a fine of up to $200,000 for a body corporate. Similar protections apply to New Zealand native lizards.

Introduced Bell Frogs, Captivity and Freshwater Laws

The legal status of introduced frogs is very different:

• Schedule 5 Status: All three introduced frogs are listed in Schedule 5 ("Wildlife not protected") of the Wildlife Act, which section 7(3) declares unprotected throughout New Zealand. DOC explains that "unprotected" means the Act does not manage people's interactions with these species (naming southern bell frogs and rainbow skinks).
• Keeping in Captivity: When the bell frogs were moved to Schedule 5 in 2010, the 2010 announcement, as reproduced by the NZ Herpetological Society, said permits would no longer be required to control wild frogs or keep them in captivity.
• Freshwater Rules for Tadpoles: Under section 26ZM of the Conservation Act 1987, no person may transfer live aquatic life or release it into any freshwater except in accordance with that section (requiring prior approval). The fine is up to $5,000. "Aquatic life" includes any animal that must live in freshwater at any stage of its life—tadpoles included. This law means you shouldn't move tadpoles between waterways or release them into wild streams.

Exotic Green Tree Frogs and Pet Imports

• **Australian Green Tree Frog (*Litoria caerulea*)**: Also known as White's tree frog, this species is not established in New Zealand. In 2009, ERMA determined under section 26 of the HSNO Act that *Litoria caerulea* is a "new organism". It cannot be imported, developed, or released without an HSNO approval.
• Pet Import Whitelist: MPI states that apart from cats and dogs, only three animal species can be imported as pets: chinchillas (from Great Britain), and rabbits and guinea pigs (from Australia). No frogs are on the list.

What to Do If You See a Frog

• Do Not Touch Native Frogs: Avoid touching native frogs because you may damage their sensitive skin.
• Report Sightings to DOC: Report sightings of native and introduced frogs to DOC's Herpetofauna Database.

Sources

• Department of Conservation: Frogs / Pepeketua — https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/reptiles-and-frogs/frogs-pepeketua/
• Department of Conservation: Archey's frog — https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/reptiles-and-frogs/frogs-pepeketua/archeys-frog/
• Department of Conservation: Identifying introduced frog species — https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/reptiles-and-frogs/frogs-pepeketua/identifying-introduced-frog-species/
• Department of Conservation: The Wildlife Act — https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/wildlife-act/
• NZ Herpetological Society: Bell frogs de-listed announcement (2010) — https://reptiles.org.nz/node/96
• Wildlife Act 1953 (Whole Act) — https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1953/0031/latest/DLM276814.html
• Wildlife Act 1953 Section 3 — https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1953/0031/latest/DLM277090.html
• Wildlife Act 1953 Section 67A — https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1953/0031/latest/DLM278179.html
• Conservation Act 1987 (Whole Act) — https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1987/0065/latest/whole.html
• New Zealand Gazette: Determination of New Organism - Litoria caerulea (2009) — https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2009-au8240
• Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 — https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/0030/latest/whole.html
• Ministry for Primary Industries: Bringing pets to NZ other than cats and dogs — https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/bringing-pets-to-nz-other-than-cats-and-dogs