Are there frogs croaking in the Wimmera Mallee?Diversity in a Piped System project update - October 2006
During 18 months of field surveys as part of the Diversity in a Piped System project, no frogs were recorded at any of the 12 study sites within the Northern Mallee pipeline region. That’s not to say that they don’t inhabit the region, but raises the question have frog numbers declined? After the pipeline went through the Northern Mallee, the channels and dams were left dry. Consequently this left many frogs destitute, isolated and homeless.
Frogs rely on water sources such as dams and channels for survival, not only for habitat and food but more importantly for reproduction. Spring is here, the days are getting longer and the warmer weather has sparked an air of excitement in some frog species. You may have heard them calling, or in the case of the species known commonly as the Pobblebonk, ‘bonking’ in the hope of attracting a mate. After courtship and mating, the females lay their eggs. The tadpoles develop and the whole life cycle of the frog begins anew.
With the Wimmera Mallee pipeline due for completion in the next few years it is important to consider and plan for frog habitats. This could be as simple as protecting a natural or artificial water body by limiting stock access and fencing the area, or planting the surrounds with native vegetation to provide the frogs with cover and at the same time improve the habitat value.
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Spotted marsh frog
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Establishing a wildlife water trough on your property would be a simple and effective way to enhance the biodiversity value on your farm and provide a home for frogs.
If you have frogs on your property or you are keen to know more about the wildlife water troughs please contact Jonathan Starks on 0428 922 787 or Jodie Odgers on 03 5492 2787. |
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