After more than six years of preparations, the re-introduction of Growling Grass Frogs to the Winton Wetlands, near Benalla, has begun this week, kicking off at the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant.
Coliban Water Environmental Specialist Lisa Cox said the landmark project aims to reverse the decline of the species by relocating a small number of frogs to Winton for a captive breeding program.
“We’re delighted to have joined forces with the Winton Wetlands to rewild this species and help improve diversity in native fauna at Winton.
“The Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant is one of the only habitats of the endangered species in central Victoria and the Coliban Water team will be part of the relocation of a group of frogs to their new habitat,” she said.
The Growling Grass Frog (GGF) was last recorded at Winton Wetlands in 1970.
Manager, Restoration and Adaptive Management at the Winton Wetlands Dr Lisa Farnsworth said the reintroduction of this ecologically important frog species will act to further stabilise the ecosystem through the addition of an important predator and prey species.
“We expect that the reintroduction of an ecologically distinct frog species will improve the systems’ resilience and long-term viability,” Dr Farnsworth said.
Recently, the GGF was named as one of the 100 priority species listed by the Commonwealth government under its 2022-2032 Threatened Species Action Plan.
This project supports the Biodiversity 2037 policy of the Victorian government in its efforts to implement actions to provide the greatest benefit for the most number of species and to promote the collection of targeted data for evidence-based decision-making and increase opportunities for all Victorians to act to protect biodiversity.
On Thursday night a team of ecologists, volunteers and researchers known as Taskforce Growler re-located approximately 30 Growling Grass Frogs - including metamorphs and tadpoles, from the lagoons at the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant using just headtorches and hands.
“This is a massive undertaking, which had to be done at night, and we’re using a well-considered and ethically approved method of translocation, to ensure the safe delivery of the frogs to Winton.
“We’ve done a huge amount of due diligence to ensure the safety of the frogs, including relevant Wildlife Act permits,” Dr Farnsworth said.
The frogs were driven overnight in climate-controlled containers directly to Winton.
“We’re delivering on our Environment and Sustainability Policy at Coliban Water by working collaboratively with regional organisations that share responsibility for environmental and climate sustainability, and ensuring the protection and improvement of biodiversity in our region,” Ms Cox said.
Find out more about Taskforce Growler at www.connect.coliban.com.au