SustainableSalisbury Wetlands12 Series

Frogsg and Frogletsg

The City of Salisbury’s wetlands are home to various species, including the Common Froglet, the Eastern Banjo and the Spotted Grass and Brown Tree . In constructed wetlands there are many different habitats for frogs at various stages of their life cycle.

Many frog species lay clusters of eggs in When fully grown from their tadpole sheltered locations near reeds and other form, frogs can be found almost riparian vegetation (plants found near anywhere in a wetland - in the water, water). Once eggs develop into tadpoles, under logs or groundcovers, or clinging they require plenty of safe havens from to the underside of boardwalks and the many birds and other predators that other artificial structures. also inhabit the wetlands.

Top The ground-dwelling Spotted Grass Frog The Common Froglet is the most ( tasmaniensis) will excrete large amounts Frogs are very sensitive to pollution commonly found frog in streams and of mucous when startled. and habitat degradation. Their presence water bodies of the Mount Lofty Ranges Photo: Luke Simon in a wetland can indicate a healthy and south-east . Its skin Above A lot can be learned from frogs, especially for environment that allows them to develop colour and texture is highly variable. those who participate in the annual frog census. Photo: Waterwatch SA from egg to tadpole to adult frog. The Brown Tree Frog is a slender, Learn more medium-sized frog with a broad head For more information on related topics, and rounded snout. see the other fact sheets in the Wetlands series. You may also like to visit the You might also be lucky enough to see following websites for more information: or hear the Eastern Banjo Frog with its ‘plonking’ musical sound. Australian frogs www.frogsaustralia.net.au Top The female Southern Brown Tree Frog (Litoria ewingi) An annual frog census shows where www.frogs.org.au lays up to 600 eggs at a time, frogs are present and where they are in clumps of about 10 to 15 eggs. absent from South Australian waterways. Frog Census Photo: KESAB By comparing the results from year to www.frogatlas.com.au Above Southern Brown Tree Frog tadpoles are pale yellow year, changes in the range and numbers to dark grey in colour, with clear fins. Photo: Amphibian Research Centre of each species can be determined.

Frogs are easy to monitor because each species has its own distinct call. From the tapes recorded by the frog census participants, scientists can accurately identify which frog species are present at each location.

Contact the Watershed Salisbury Highway, Mawson Lakes SA 5095 Telephone 08 8258 0862 Email [email protected]

Salisbury’s Water Fact Sheets are printed on Mega Recycled chlorine-free paper which is manufactured using 50% FSC Certified virgin fibre and 50% post-consumer waste recycled fibre.