Background

Kedron Brook Catchment Branch commenced a Frog Census in March, 2007. Following keen interest from members this project is being continued into 2011. Not only for interested frog lovers but also because the numbers and types of frogs present are important indicators of the biodiversity of life-forms remaining in catchments. Our 426 KB pdf banner display shows some frog species that have been observed along the Catchment in past years.

Frog identification resources and survey equipment are being gradually built up by our committee as funding can be resourced. As always, surveys to be effective need suitable weather conditions so that frogs are not silently hiding under the mud waiting for replentishment of waterholes and streams. However, despite the water concerns in 2008, there were interesting surveys carried out. The year 2010 started with reasonable summer rains as did 2009.

This is your chance to learn more about the frogs that live in your area.  Does it surprise you to learn that, as with most birds, you can often identify them by their calls? We plan to obtain sound recordings of these frog calls to confirm their location and identity.

A Workshop on Frogs and their Identification was organised in October 2007 at Grinstead Park to help everyone to learn the procedures for careful observation in a consistent manner. Memories have been refreshed by timely general meeting presentations, such as that given at our February 2010 meeting by Rod Paterson, Past Pres., Frog. Soc. Qld. He presented an instructive talk on "Frog identification and the vital role of frogs in the environment."

Equipment

The Committee has purchased a special field recorder suited to recording frog calls on 24 bit Wave/MP3 stereo sound files. These can be stored on computers for further evaluation and comparison with reference sound spectrums of different species of frog. This has assisted us to extend the depth of our observations in the rainy seasons in 2009 through to 2011. Global Satellite Locators are also used to clearly identify the various locations where we locate frogs.

Special Donation by Battery World

We are particularly delighted to have the assistance of well-known Brisbane company, Battery World (Enoggera and Albion), as part of their support of environmental initiatives.

In 2009, Natalie Duncan, on behalf of the company, presented President Robert Standish-White and our Study Coordinator Debbie Dolby with a substantial amount of suitable lighting equipment. This equipment is greatly appreciated by our members as it allows observation of frogs in the night without distress to the amphibians.

Members at this meeting were impressed with the depth of support Battery World was giving, particularly in the education of children in the responsible use of batteries for the continued protection of our environment. Their system of accepting return of old batteries and recycle scheme is particularly commendable.

Frog Observations Report

Our Frog Survey Coordinator, Debbie Dolby, has reported on the observations conducted during 2007 and 2008. It details the methods used to identify the species of frogs found during these studies and the species found at 15 locations along Kedron Brook. These results are then related to those reported by Dr Seonaid Melville in 2001, and observed by members of The Queensland Frog Society during the Summer of 1998.

It was found that, given the relatively poor availability of past observations, it was important that further studies be conducted and these should be based upon standardised data sheets to allow for consistent reporting into the BCC Fauna Database. With time, the buildup of an adequate knowledge about the types of frog species found in relation to the type of environmental habitat will yield a better understanding of those significant parameters affecting the biodiversity and numbers of frogs. This evidence can then be used to promote greater awareness in public and corporate sectors leading to better management practices along the Brook.

The report, "Kedron Brook Frog Census 2007 & 2008" is available for download as an 220 KB pdf file.

Frog Study Registration

We are confident everyone will find this study informative and even a bit of fun. You can register your interest or ask for further information by contacting our Frog Study Coordinator, Debbie Dolby, on 3355 4134, or , or on-line through this web site.

To register your interest in a structured way by email, please fill out the following form and submit it. (This process may take some days longer than with the direct contact by phone). Either way, your registration will enable us to respond to you, keep you up to date and, during suitable weather, arrange for you to partake in group surveys, or as an individual following our procedures.

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KBCB 2012 Frog Survey Registration Form

Yes, I wish to register my interest in helping with the KBCB 2012 Frog Survey.

First Name:            

Family Name:         

Address 1 :            

Address 2 :            

Town/City:                      Postcode :

Daytime Phone :     

Email address :       

Please give location of your local frog waterhole, type of vegetation around the location, sounds or sightings of frogs you've had in the past,
your current knowledge about frogs, and how you'd like to share your interests about frogs with us. :         

                                        

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