About Frog Census
Background
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The
Frog Census is your chance to help the Environment Protection Authority
(EPA) monitor the health of aquatic environments in South Australia.
The
Frog Census provides a 'snapshot' of the distribution and abundance
of frogs in South Australia. It relies on people from all over the
State taking tape recordings of frog calls during 'Frog Week' in
the second week of September each year.
Participants
go to a waterbody of their choice and tape record the sounds present
during the early evening. Even if there are NO frogs calling, the
recording is useful. Details about the site, such as location and
water quality, are recorded on a data sheet.
In
2002, 608 groups (over 1328 people) made 1070 recordings from 1000
different sites. This is a slight decrease from the number involved
in 2001 but, considering the drought conditions we experienced in
2002, this is still a great level of participation.
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Over
8400 recordings have been made since the program started, with over
16,000 individual records of frogs collected in South Australia!
Why
monitor frogs?
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Frogs
are well known for their sensitivity to pollution and habitat degradation.
They need a healthy environment in which to complete their life cycle
from egg to tadpole to adult frog.
Frogs
are easy to monitor because each species has its own distinct call.
From the tapes recorded by the Frog Census participants, scientists
at the EPA can accurately identify which frog species are present
and calling at each location. Click on the links to each frog in the
menu to listen to their calls!
How
does the Frog Census help the EPA?
By assuming
that healthy habitats provide suitable conditions for diverse and
abundant frog populations, we can make a simple assessment of the
health of our waterways. Unhealthy or degraded habitats have few or
no frogs present.
The census
lets us know where frogs are present and also where they are absent
from the waterways in our State. We also learn which parts of the
State may need further work to improve the water quality or habitat
condition.
Each census
builds on what we know about the sorts of places different frogs occur.
By comparing the results from year to year we can find out whether
a species is becoming more or less common over time. This can help
in trying to work out what should be done to conserve our frog populations.
The entire Frog Census
report, including distribution maps, gives a detailed account of all
the frogs recorded in this program since 1994.
How
do I become involved in the Frog Census?
We
are always looking for new people to become involved with the Frog
Census. Once you register your interest we will send you a Frog Census
kit containing a data sheet, a blank cassette tape and a pre-paid
envelope. You will need to find a site such as a creek, swamp, drain,
pond or dam. You will also need a tape recorder. Just follow the instructions
on the datasheet and become a Frog Census collector!
To
register your interest contact the EPA:
Phone:
(61 8) 8204 2004
Freecall: 1800 623 445
E-mail: epainfo@epa.sa.gov.au
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