South Australians are being asked to rug up, head outside and listen closely this week, with the winter FrogWatch SA Seasonal Census now underway across the state.
Running from June 1 to 8, the annual winter census invites the public to record frog calls using the FrogSpotter app, helping local experts track frog activity, wetland health and the wellbeing of South Australia’s small but important amphibian population.
While most of us are bracing for cold mornings, wet weather and the first real bite of winter, frogs are at their best when the conditions turn damp. The rain brings them out to hunt, breed and call, making winter one of the most useful times for South Australians to help scientists understand where frogs are active and how their habitats are faring.
Taking part is simple. Participants can use a smartphone or computer to record frog calls, then submit them through FrogSpotter. A team of local experts will assess the recordings and locations, turning those everyday observations into valuable data for conservation and environmental monitoring.
You do not need to be a scientist to join in. The census is designed for anyone who can stop, listen and record what they hear, whether that is in a backyard, by a pond, near a creek, in native bushland, around wetlands or even in unexpected places like public toilets, where frogs sometimes take advantage of damp conditions.
South Australia is home to just 31 species of frogs, compared with more than 230 species found across Australia. They may be small, but frogs play a major role in the natural world. They help control pests, support food chains, contribute to ecosystem balance and are also linked to important medical research.
Their presence can also tell scientists a lot about the health of the environment around them. Because frogs rely on moisture and have sensitive skin, changes in their numbers, locations and breeding patterns can point to broader changes in wetlands, waterways and local ecosystems.
Without healthy frog populations, ecosystems can shift in ways that are difficult to reverse. Their loss can affect pest numbers, wildlife food sources and the natural balance that keeps many habitats functioning.
The FrogWatch SA Seasonal Census gives everyday South Australians a way to contribute to that work, simply by paying attention to the sounds around them. Whether you are taking a winter walk, sitting in the garden after rain or exploring a local wetland, a short recording could help experts better understand how frogs are surviving across the seasons.
For more information on how to take part, click here.
