Notaden melanoscaphus Hosmer 1962

Known from the north-western Kimberley region of Western, northern Northern Territory and into Cape York Peninsula of Queensland. Also known from the Townsville region in Queensland.The extent of occurrence of the species is approximately 772300 km2

Found in sparsely timbered savanna, sclerophyll woodland and grassland on clay soils. Spends most of its life buried underground and emerges only after heavy rain when it can be found on low-lying swampy ground which remains saturated after rain.Breeds after heavy rains in shallow flooded areas. Males call whilst floating in water and their bodies are inflated with air from their distended lungs. About 500 – 1400 eggs are laid in long chains tangled in submerged vegetation. Tadpoles hatch and complete development in 8 weeks.

No known declines and extent of occurrence > 20,000km2.ThreatsNone known.Conservation MeasuresNone in place.

The northern spadefoot toad (Notaden melanoscaphus) is a species of frog in the family Limnodynastidae.

It is endemic to Australia. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, swamps, and intermittent freshwater marshes.