Kedron Brook Catchment Branch commenced a Frog Census in March, 2007. A Workshop on Frogs and their Identification was organised in October 2007 at Grinstead Park to help everyone to carry out a frog study in a consistent manner. Following keen interest from members, it has continued this year as adequate rainfall occurs.
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. It is intended to purchase another global satellite locator to help exact location of frogs. This equipment has assisted us to extend the depth of our studies in the rainy season in 2009.
Results of 2007 & 2008 frog observations
Our Frog Study Coordinator, Debbie Dolby, has now finalised her report on the studies 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.
Green Treefrog Photo: (D. Dolby)
Participate in Studies
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.
To join us with this census, all you have to do is register. When you have registered, we will confirm receipt of your interest. Then, given suitable rain over this year, we shall arrange to send you a Frog Census Kit containing:
A "Frog Reference List" containing the names of species of amphibians located to date in the studies from 2007 to date. and
a return Postpak.
You then choose a suitable water body within the Kedron Brook Catchment that you believe is suitable for frogs. Perhaps you've heard their calls there. At a suitable time, make a 10 minute audio tape of the sounds there and send the tape back to the return address, as detailed with your instructions.
There is also the study data sheet on which you will need to record relevant data about the location of the water body and the conditions at the time. This information will assist in the determination of the environmental conditions present in relation to frog species' basic needs.
After you have sent the tape back, we will send you a list of the species identified on your audio tape recording and information on each species. This will provide useful data on the types and locations of frog species to be found in Kedron Brook Catchment.
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, via
, 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 a few 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, invite you to join group studies or send you the Kit so you can conduct a study according to our procedures.
