Green Adelaide in partnership with the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board are calling on South Australians to take action this autumn by joining the FrogWatch SA Seasonal Census, which is on until 8 March.
Banjo Frog. Credit: Martin Stokes
This seasonal event is an opportunity for citizen scientists to contribute valuable data that supports conservation efforts, particularly for species like the Bibron’s toadlet (Pseudophryne bibroni), a rare and protected frog in South Australia.
FrogWatch SA Coordinator and Green Adelaide Education Officer Steve Walker explains that unlike most frogs, Bibron’s toadlets have a unique terrestrial breeding strategy.
"Instead of laying eggs in water, they deposit them under bark, leaves, or in shallow burrows, where the tadpoles develop to an advanced stage within the egg capsules," he said.
"The tadpoles only hatch when their environment is flooded, sometimes waiting up to 7 months until rains trigger their release. Without sufficient rainfall, however, they may never hatch at all.”
Adding to their fascinating behaviors, male Bibron’s toadlets guard their nests and may even 'pee' on their eggs to prevent them from drying out.
Steve added that if threatened, these small frogs may flip onto their backs and play dead, displaying their distinctive black-and-white bellies, which may deter predators by suggesting toxicity.
Why tracking frogs matter?
The Bibron’s toadlet is classified as rare in South Australia, with habitat loss and climate variability posing serious threats to its survival.
“By gathering regular data, researchers can better understand population trends, assess threats, and implement conservation strategies to protect this and other vulnerable species” Steve concluded.
Get involved
You can record frog calls using the FrogSpotter app.
It's easy to use, and the data you record helps researchers to gather essential information on species distribution and abundance of frogs.
To learn more and get involved, visit Frog Watch SA's website.