Hydroperiod influences tadpole growth and development in the endangered Littlejohn’s tree frog

Full description

The dataset includes observations on Litoria littlejohni tadpoles from Gosner stage 25-26 to Gosner stage 42, encompassing their larval development, environmental conditions, and metamorphosis-related measurements. Data were collected from wild populations within Jilliby State Forest on the New South Wales Central Coast, Australia. The experiment took place in controlled laboratory environments. The experiment commenced in December 2022 and lasted for 28 weeks until metamorphosis or the experiment's conclusion. Tadpoles were acclimated and maintained in captivity, subjected to three water level treatments: "Declining," "Constant Low," and "Constant High." Weekly measurements, health checks, and experimental manipulations were conducted using standard scientific tools, including vernier callipers, electronic digital scales, and a jump test setup. Water parameters were monitored regularly. Recorded parameters involve weekly measurements of snout-to-vent length (SVL), body mass, Gosner stage, and jump test distances for froglets post-metamorphosis.