HOP outdoors this weekend and next to help save the nations frogs.
The Australian Museum's FrogID Week is back for 2020 and Australians are asked to become involved to help understand the impact of summer bushfires and drought on our fragile frog population from now until November 15.
The citizen science project is designed collect audio recordings of frog calls across the nation - at a moment in time - to monitor frog populations and help save Australia's threatened frog species.
Jodi Rowley, lead scientist of FrogID and the Curator of Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Biology at the Australian Museum, said there were more than 240 known frog species in Australia - with four already lost to extinction.
"Frogs aren't doing that well. The annual snapshot gives us an idea of how the populations are doing," Dr Rowley said.
So far, FrogID has identified more than 240,000 frog calls and identified 199 of the known 241 Australian frog species.
During FrogID Week last year, Australians recorded more than 5,400 frogs from 71 species.
This is a crucial year for FrogID Week, as the data collected will help scientists determine the impact of climate change, drought, and bushfires on the frog population.
"I was expecting the bushfires to have wiped out many frog populations, so I've been stunned by some of the positive signs I've seen recently," she said.
"In one bushfire affected rainforest stream, not too long after the fires, I was excited to hear the endangered Southern Barred Frog (Mixophyes balbus) calling along the stream. A few months later, I returned to find the same stream, still full of ash, full of their tadpoles.
"We have so much more to understand about these amazing animals, but we can only do this with help from people across Australia."
"Get outside, listen for frogs and send us their calls - it's simple to do and you'll be helping to save Australia's frogs."
- Dr Jodi Rowley.
Dr Rowley said calls recorded to date by people all around the country are helping scientists better understand how to keep our frogs safe.
"We need the help of people all around the nation to gather audio of frogs in city parks, suburban backyards, regional properties, remote locations - everywhere!" she said.
"This year, the data is absolutely vital in helping us understand how frogs adapt to climate change and weather patterns like drought and the bushfires we have experienced over the last year.
"Get outside, listen for frogs and send us their calls - it's simple to do and you'll be helping to save Australia's frogs."
Dr Rowley offered a few tips and tricks for novice frog trackers.
"The best time to go out is at dusk and the first few hours after nightfall," she said. "But some frogs do call during the day."
She also recommended going near a water source.
"All frogs that call are males, calling to attract a female. You're actually hearing love songs."
It's easy to take part - simply download the free FrogID app on your phone and, during FrogID Week head outside to listen for frogs.
When you hear a frog, record the sound with the FrogID app and submit it to the FrogID program.
Details www.frogid.net.au
