One of the most simple and effective ways of monitoring frogs is by listening to their calls.  Only male frogs call, and each species has its own distinct call.  Volunteers have the option of attending a short training session, after which volunteers simply record frogs calling for a few minutes in the first two hours after dark during each census week.  Census week occurs during the months of March, August and November.

This project targets all varieties of frogs found in the Wimmera (13 known species). However, we are especially hoping to target the Growling Grass Frog, and Bibron’s Toadlet, both listed as Endangered in Victoria, and we would also like to know the whereabouts of a number of other species such as the Southern Toadlet (considered Vulnerable in Victoria) and populations of the Victorian Smooth Froglet, known to occur mainly in eastern Victoria and also the Grampians, just to name a few.

Spotted Marsh Frog. Photo Wimmera CMA.

Volunteers send their data sheet and recordings into the WCMA for verification and collation.  From here, a report is generated, and made available to a number of organizations such as DSE, Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, researchers and the general public.

Already the program has had significant success, with a new species found to be inhabiting the Wimmera.  Until now, the Peron’s Tree Frog was not recognized as a Wimmera dweller.  Thanks to the assistance of some interested local residents and volunteers, we have successfully recorded the Peron’s Tree Frog calling along sections of Burnt Creek.

Crinia sp. Froglet at Horsham's Police Paddocks. Photo Wimmera CMA.

More volunteers are required to obtain a better picture of where and what species of frogs we can find in the Wimmera.  If you can hear frogs calling in your local area, why not consider becoming involved?

Download the  Finding Frogs (2.39 MB). For more information, or to register as a volunteer, please contact Waterwatch Coordinator Bronwyn Bant on 5382 1544 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Data Sheet

Heard an interesting frog call and it’s not Census week? Do you require new data sheets for recording during census week?  Finding Frogs Census Data Sheet (70.77 kB).