Life history
Prior to the mating season in late spring to summer, the male Green Tree Frog develops a black nuptial pad on the inner surface of the thumb. This aids amplexus by allowing the male to continue a grip on its mate for the duration of amplexus. The male calls (individually) to attract a female, and the two typically meet at a still-water source.
During amplexus, the male mounts the female. The female then expels her eggs at such a speed that the sperm is forced into the egg. A large spawn of about 200 to 300 eggs is left in the water, approximately a half metre from the frogs. The eggs sink and attach themselves to submerged objects. The two frogs can remain in amplexus for about two days, during which the process is repeated many times, resulting in the laying of an average of 2000 to 3000 eggs. An egg hatches three days after its laying. The water must be 28–38 degrees Celsius and 5–50 centimetres deep for the eggs and tadpoles to survive. Metamorphosis takes between two and three months, and sexual maturation about two years.
Importance to humans
As a pet
The Green Tree Frog is one of the most popular pet frogs throughout the world. Its docile nature, often cartoon-like appearance, and long life expectancy make it an attractive choice for exotic-pets owners. It is also one of the easier frogs to care for: their diet is broad and they have a strong resistance to disease. One problem commonly associated with keeping this species as a pet is overfeeding; Green Tree Frogs tend to become obese if overfed. In the wild, exertion of energy is required for a frog to capture its prey. However, in captivity they are usually given live feed in a confined space. This lessens the activity needed for feeding, resulting in weight gain. An overweight member of the species will deposit fat layers over the top of the head and body, giving it a "dumpy" appearance. Thus the name, "Dumpy Tree Frog."
Conservation
Australian law gives protected status to the Green Tree Frog—along with all Australian fauna—under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Much of the Green Tree Frog's natural habitat has been destroyed. Also, some of the frogs have been found infected with chytrid fungus (causing chytridiomycosis). These two factors associated with the general decline in frog populations in Australia threaten to reduce the population of the Green Tree Frog. However, because of the long life expectancy of this species, any effects of a reduced reproduction rate will take longer to spot than they would in a species with a shorter life expectancy.source : wikipedia
