Growling Grass Frog Breeding Ponds
This fenced pond has been designed by experts to contain ideal habitat for the endangered Growling Grass Frog (GGF). The growling grass frog is a large frog (females may exceed 100 mm in length) that varies from dull olive to bright emerald-green on the back (dorsum), with large irregular blotches ranging from brown to rich golden-bronze.
This breeding pond exists as an “off-stream” body of still, or slow moving water, which is the preferred location for the GGF to breed. It has been planted out with aquatic vegetation which tadpoles feed on, and provides them with shelter from predators. You may also notice the lack of canopy from trees and large shrubs around the edge of the pond. This is because the GGF likes to bask in the sun and forage among the native grasses. These grassland habitats provide ideal conditions for the GGF.
GGFs are threatened due to habitat loss from human activity and development filling in swamps and wetlands, farming pollutants in water ways and land clearing, introduced “feral/pest” animal species (ie rabbits, foxes, cats) and invasive weeds which have resulted in further habitat destruction and loss. This area between the bridges is open, wide, with road ways high to provide the GGF with safety from moving vehicles, allowing them to move freely from Kororoit Creek to these off-stream ponds for breeding. Areas like these wildlife corridors provide habitat connectivity for GGF and other native wildlife species along the creek.
We are involved in organising many environment activities which help to create and protect habitat for native wildlife like the GGF. See more about what we do here.