Winter is coming, (we apologise for the photo, but you know we had to right?) and while for many, the cold and rain is not good news, it is basically Christmas for SA’s frogs. And, from 1 to 8 June we want your help tracking them.
You might have noticed that during summer and our unseasonably warm autumn that many frogs hopped for cover. When water’s scarce you’re less likely to see frogs at all hours of the day but in winter they become far more active.
The reason frogs become more active after rain is their skin needs moisture to hydrate and allow them to go about their day. This means they can hunt and mate freely. In fact, rain provides the perfect conditions to mate as temporary pools are formed.
Now, we’re not saying you’re going to see frogs everywhere you go, but the chances of seeing one in winter is significantly higher than in the other seasons, so we suggest being on the lookout.
This goes to another point, that with the expected winter rains frogs will be going on journeys that will find them having to go across roads. So please be on the lookout for frogs like other wildlife and drive to the conditions.
With frogs likely to be out and about it made us ponder, where’s the strangest place you’ve ever seen a frog?
Frogs are resilient little creatures and while depending on the species a burrow or a nice little pond would be an optimal home; beggars can’t be choosers, and they end up in all sorts of places.
Green Adelaide’s FrogWatch coordinator and amphibian expert said he’s often seen a frog calling a public toilet home.
“Bathrooms are a classic place because frogs love the easy access to moisture they provide,” Steve said.
“This is even more common in summer when they’re desperate to seek water - so you don’t need to be too scared about finding one in your loo,” Steve said.
Other spots Steve shared that a frog has been spotted is inside a toy chest, drainpipes and perhaps most daring of all, Mount Lofty tree frog tadpoles have been spotted in the tiger pond at Adelaide Zoo.
Frogs can turn up in weird and wacky places. Where have you seen a frog? Upload your pictures or frog calls to Frogwatch during the winter census from 1 to 8 June.
Uploading frog calls
Uploading frog calls is as simple as the click of a button. Okay. Maybe a couple of clicks of a button.
Your best bet is to download the FrogSpotter app, create an account, pick a location, record the frog call and then if you’re really advanced… tell us what frog you think it is! Don’t worry if you don’t know, though, because FrogWatch’s frog nerds will!
For a more detailed guide on how to use the FrogSpotter app check out this helpful video.
You can also upload calls directly to the FrogWatch SA website.
Missed the census dates? No problem, FrogWatch accepts recordings all year round!
While you’re at it if you spot or have spotted a frog in a strange place, we want to hear about it on socials, send us a message.
The FrogWatch Winter Census runs from 1 to 8 June.