In the last decade or so, there’s been a serious decline in frog populations all over the world, and in Australia alone eight species have become extinct in the last 25 years. What’s even more worrying is that scientists are not really sure why it’s happening, but they think loss of habitat is a major reason. So why does it matter? Well, apart from being cute, frogs are important biological indicators of the health of our environment; if they go, we could be next in line. There is some good news though, new frogs are also being discovered all the time! It’s difficult to work out just how many species are around, because you rarely see them. One of the best ways to become ‘frog aware’ is to listen to the calls they make.
Croaking frogs
David Stewart is one of Australia’s leading wildlife sound recordists, and he and John Dengate had a long discussion about frog sounds. Some Australian frogs have remarkable calls, for example the Giant Burrowing Frog sounds exactly like an owl, and the Laughing Tree Frog sounds just like a maniacal human laugh! The larger frogs have deep calls, while smaller ones sound higher pitched and more insect-like. Only the males croak, females don’t speak at all, and frogs croaking around a pond often means there’s a storm on the way.
Frog friendly backyards
Frogs are having a hard time at the moment, and there are a few things we can do to give them a helping hand. Here are John’s suggestions for a frog friendly environment: Don’t use insecticides in the garden. Frogs eat insects, they also have very thin skin which absorbs chemicals from the air and water.
Keep pets under control – dogs and cats will kill frogs.
Build a pond, and often frogs will colonise it.
Regulations
In some states a permit is needed to keep frogs – check with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in your state. Also frogs must not be taken from the wild.
Further information
David Stewart
Phone: (02) 6684 0127
email: [email protected]
internet address: www.naturesound.com au
PO Box 256
Mullumbimby, NSW, 2482
David Stewart has released two CD’s on Australian Frog Calls. They are available from major ABC Shops, RRP $25.95.
