CALLING ALL FROG LOVERS
10 August 2006
Frog lovers keen to meet their amphibian neighbours are encouraged to sign up to take part in the Melbourne Water Spring 2006 Frog Census.
The Melbourne Water Frog Census is a community-based frog monitoring program in which volunteers record the calls of frogs in their local rivers, creeks and wetlands.
This information is then analysed and collated to map the distribution of frogs around Melbourne.
Melbourne Water's General Manager of Waterways, Chris Chesterfield, said the presence of a variety of frogs species in local rivers, creeks and wetlands is a great indicator of health of our waterways, with the census program helping to identify the distribution, habitat and characteristics of frogs around Melbourne.
"With the help of our ever-increasing band of Frog Census volunteers, 11 different species of frogs have been found across the Port Phillip and Westernport region, including populations of the endangered Growling Grass Frog and the threatened Southern Toadlet."
Volunteers receive free training from Melbourne Water and the Amphibian Research Centre as well as a free 'Frog Kit', which contains a blank audio tape, a pre-paid Postpak envelope to return their recorded calls, and an instruction booklet on how to record frog calls.
"All that's required of our volunteers is suitable clothes, shoes for fieldwork, their own transport and a willingness to spend some time at their local river, creek or wetland listening out for some of the 16 different frog species known to live around Melbourne," Mr Chesterfield said.
The Frog Census is conducted twice each year, with results published on Melbourne Water's dedicated frog website melbournewater.com.au/frogs.
Training will take place over the weekend of Friday 25, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August (see table below). Bookings are essential.
To take part, contact Melbourne Water on 131 722 or contact us on line.
The Frog Census is funded and coordinated by Melbourne Water and run in partnership with the Amphibian Research Centre and Melbourne Waterwatch.
Melbourne Water invests about $26 million a year on protecting and improving rivers and creeks, building wetlands, and creating important habitats for frogs.
| Date | Time | Location | Type of session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 25 Aug | 7pm - 9pm | CERES Community Environment Park, 8 Lee St Brunswick East | A 'How to…' guide to the Melbourne Water Frog Census |
| Sat 26 Aug | 10am - 12noon 12.30pm - 2.30pm 3pm - 5pm |
Melbourne Water Discovery Centre, Werribee, Farm Road, Werribee | Frog Identification Sessions - calls and appearance |
| Sat 26 Aug | 7pm - 9pm | Werribee Open Range Zoo, K Road, Werribee | A 'How to…' guide to the Melbourne Water Frog Census |
| Sun 27 Aug | 7pm - 9pm | Braeside Park, Lower Dandenong Road, Braeside | A 'How to…' guide to the Melbourne Water Frog Census |