Experts fear for frogs as rapid Gold Coast development squeezes out habitats

The booming Gold Coast population is putting so much pressure on local frogs it could wipe out some species and their habitats, researchers fear. Key points: Experts say rapid urbanisation is threatening fragile frog populations The Gold Coast is expected to swell to a million residents by 2041 Thirteen of 40 species of Gold Coast frogs are listed as "significant" to planning considerations Veterinarian and Griffith University research fellow Laura Grogan warns local frog populations are being "attacked on multiple sides" by development, population growth and disease. "The Gold Coast is one of the fastest-growing regions within Australia, particularly the northern Gold Coast," said Dr Grogan, a team leader at the Frog Research Team. Frog researcher Dr Jodi Rowley says urbanisation is contributing to a national decline of frogs "There are some really cool frogs in the Gold Coast that are impacted by urbanisation," said the curator of amphibian and reptile conservation biology with the Australian Museum, Dr Jodi Rowley. A Gold Coast City spokesperson said development applications were "rigorously assessed" for their potential impact on priority species, including frogs, as well as biodiversity, wetlands and waterways.