Rural & Agriculture
23 July, 2025
Are You Frog Friendly?
A free presentation entitled “Frogs of the Region” was recently hosted by the Beyond Bolac Catchment Action Group at Lake Bolac.
Dr Jan Barton, Aquatic Ecologist and Natural Resource Manager at the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, entertained the crowd with a power-point display identifying the eight known species of frogs in the local catchment area.
Participants were shown the Common Eastern Froglet, Spotted Marsh Frog, Southern Brown Tree Frog, Eastern Banjo Frog (Pobblebonk), Growling Grass Frog (becoming rarer), Common Spadefoot Toad, Eastern Sign-bearing Froglet, and Striped Marsh Frog.
Deakin University researcher and Honours student Tom Hernan presented his findings of frog species surveyed in 107 local wetlands.
He was able to report detection and occupancy rates of the various frogs and he thanked the local landowners for allowing him to record the information.
The meeting was introduced to the FrogID App which can be downloaded to a mobile phone and allow frog calls to be recorded and identified. There are 240 frog species in Australia, all of which can be identified through the app.
In closing, the CMA recommend several tips for helping the region’s frogs including improved management of swamps, waterways, and dams, maintaining vegetation and fox control.
For help to look after swamps contact Jan Barton j.barton@ghcma.vic.gov.au
People are also encouraged to record what they see and hear through iNaturalist www.inaturalist.org and Australian Museum FrogID www.frogid.net.au.
People can report sick or dead frogs to calls@frogid.net.au
Read More: Lake Bolac