The common spadefoot toad only calls after a good rain. The elusive toad has been so hard to find, it’s been recorded in just five spots around Melton, with the last coming six years ago.
Melton residents are being asked to record the calls of toads and frogs, which are mostly found along the Arnolds and Kororoit creeks, using a new Melbourne Water app.
Melbourne Water frog expert Richard Akers said he hoped this would be the best spring to record Melbourne’s frog population, following the recent rainfall.
“We’ve had one growling grass frog recorded at Kororoit Creek Primary School’s wetland,” he said. “Because they are endangered, it’s really important we get as much information about these elusive frogs as possible.”
The growling grass frog has been spotted at Balliang and Bacchus Marsh.
Mr Akers said the best places to record frogs, included the Eynesbury lake, Kororoit Creek, Arnolds Creek, Melton Botanic Garden Ryans Creek, Werribee Gorge, Lerderderg River, Caledonian Park and the Wombat State Forest.
“Please download the app, visit your local waterway and keep an ear out,” Mr Akers said. “If you hear a frog calling, hit the record button and the app will automatically send the location and recording to Melbourne Water for analysis.”
To download the app, visit melbournewater.com.au/frogcensus or call 131 722.
