FROG SPOTTERS NEEDED FOR RARE SPECIES HUNT
6 January 2005
Frog lovers keen to help track down two of Melbourne’s rarest frogs can sign up for a survey being run on Saturday 15 January in Werribee.
Local residents can help Melbourne Water, Melbourne Waterwatch, the Amphibian Research Centre, Biosis Research and the Victorian Frog Group try to find the locally rare Rocky River Frog and the endangered Growling Grass Frog across the northern and western suburbs, as part of the Melbourne Water Frog Census.
Both frogs are local to the Melbourne area but have declined significantly in numbers over the past 20 years. The reasons for their decline are unclear, although habitat loss has been identified as a possible cause.
Melbourne Water Education Co-ordinator and frog expert Keir Jarvis said the survey aimed to help identify the current distribution and habitat requirements of the Rocky River Frog and the Growling Grass Frog.
“Training will be provided by experts on how to identify these frogs by their call and how to record specific habitat characteristics that are thought to be important for their survival,” he said.
“All we need volunteers to bring are suitable clothes, shoes for fieldwork and their own transport. We will provide groups with recording equipment so they can tape the frogs calling when they find them, allowing us to confirm the discovery of new populations.”
The survey day will start with training at 11am at the Melbourne Water Discovery Centre at the Western Treatment Plant, Werribee, (Melway 205 E12), followed by a visit to a typical Growling Grass Frog site. To register, or for more information, contact us on line or phone Keir Jarvis on 9235 2821. Bookings are essential.
Melbourne Water, the Amphibian Research Centre and Melbourne Waterwatch jointly run the Frog Census, an education and research program that aims to increase community knowledge about frogs and gain a better understanding about the distribution of frogs across the greater Melbourne area. Frog Census results are available at melbournewater.com.au/frogs
Melbourne Water invests about $28 million a year on protecting and improving rivers and creeks, and building wetlands. Rivers, creeks and wetlands provide important habitats for frogs.