#23 A Frog in the Grass

Some of Australia's frogs are struggling to survive, with loss of habitat due to urban and industrial sprawl being a major contributor to their decline, so to find frogs happily living in your backyard garden is a delightful surprise.

The Spotted Grass Frog is a real cutie

Limnodynastes tasmaniensis, Spotted Grass Frog (or Spotted Marsh Frog), is a relatively common frog of the eastern states. But as with most frogs, they are more likely to be heard than seen.

Occasionally I'll uncover one when working in the garden, and it's always exciting to realise I am creating healthy frog habitat.

Creating frog habitat

Creating a frog-friendly environment in your yard is easy, and very satisfying. Frogs need moisture, shelter and food, in cat-free surroundings. Planting layers of shrubs, ground-covers and trees, as well as providing shelter in the form of rocks and logs, and a container or pond of healthy water is all that is necessary. Once the habitat is created, the frogs should eventually move in.

Notice the different colour and patterning of two Spotted Grass Frogs inhabiting the same environment

My backyard was completely bare 4 years ago, but with the introduction of grass, gardens, shrubs, mulch, water, and a bit of messiness, the frogs have moved in. I have found three species of frogs in my backyard. As frogs are primarily nocturnal, my frog encounters are mostly accidental. During the day, frogs will shelter under rocks and logs, amongst grass or other ground-hugging vegetation, or under objects in damp shady areas.

Frogs feed on insects, so they are great little predators to have in the garden. Keeping your garden free of chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers will help ensure a healthy environment for frogs and their food source.

If the water you are providing for frogs comes from a town water supply, keep in mind that it will contain chemicals. Standing tap water in the sun for a week will remove chlorine. Take care not to allow household septic outflow to pool, as this contaminated water creates health hazards for all animals, both wild and domestic.

Here is another example of colour variation of the Spotted Grass Frog

Frogs and tadpoles should not be moved from one location to another, as this risks introducing disease and deadly fungi to frog populations. As frogs absorb chemicals through their skin, it is unwise to handle them, but if it is unavoidable, ensure your hands are washed and damp, and keep handling to a minimum.

Spotted Grass Frog, Limnodynastes tasmaniensis

This common little beauty grows to about 50mm in length (but more commonly, 40mm) with the female larger than the male. As illustrated in my images, colour and patterning is variable. Some specimens will have a stripe running down the middle of the back, but all have a raised fold running from just under the eye to the arm. There is slight webbing between toes, but not between fingers.

Notice the raised fold starting under the eye and ending at the arm. The skin is smooth with small bumps.

The main breeding season occurs between August and March when males call from the waters edge concealed by vegetation. Their call is a very rapid succession of "uk-uk-uk-uk-uk" repeated at intervals. Tadpoles take between 3 and 5 months to complete the metamorphosis, but length of time will vary according to the water temperature.

Spotted Grass Frogs are well camouflaged

These delightful little blotched frogs should start calling for a mate as winter draws to an end. Here is an internet page with more information and a link to their call. Keep a listen out for them as the nights begin to warm up in eastern Australia. Frogs Australia Network is an excellent internet site a comprehensive list of Australian frogs and links to information and calls.

As human population increases, pollution and habitat destruction means that frogs and other native wildlife struggle to maintain healthy populations. By creating some frog-friendly areas within your little bit of space, you will not only be able to enjoy having these beautiful creatures around you, but you can feel genuine satisfaction that you are making a positive difference.