Species Sightings
Threatened species and fauna sightings in Gosford City.
The rich diversity of native flora and fauna species is a feature of the Gosford area, and includes a number of threatened species, and plants and animals that occur at the edge of their natural distribution. It is hoped that in the future you will be able to record your observations of any native animal species in the Gosford area, but for now you can help monitor the local fauna by sending in your observations of the following two species:
- The Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius) and
- The Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea)
both are listed as endangered under Schedule 1 of the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act).
How to Report Your Sightings
Sightings of these threatened species can be reported to Council by completing our threatened species sighting form. Your assistance in helping to monitor our local endangered fauna is greatly appreciated.
The Bush Stone-Curlew
The Bush Stone-curlew is a 55-60cm tall bird with a large yellow eye, knobbly knees and mottled brown, white and grey plumage.
It is well camouflaged in woodland vegetation especially amongst fallen timber and leaf litter, and uses its ability to hold a statue-like pose to avoid detection. It is well known for its eerie wailing "weer-lo" call at night.
The Gosford area supports a key population of the Bush Stone-curlew that may be found in an area bounded by Saratoga, Davistown, South Kincumber, Bensville, Empire Bay, St Hubert's Island and Woy Woy.
The Green and Golden Bell Frog
The Green and Golden Bell frog is a large frog of up to 10cm, with distinctive green and gold markings. The markings can range from being almost entirely green with a few small metallic gold patches to being almost entirely golden.
During cold weather the colouration can darken to being nearly black. A distinctive feature of this species is the vibrant purple-blue marking on the inside thigh and groin area.
The call is a long sound followed by a medium sound then two short sounds - brrrrrrk brrrrk brrk-brrk. The two key populations are found at North Avoca and Davistown.