Frogs of the Holbrook Region: A report for Holbrook Landcare Network regarding the results of amphibian surveys undertaken in 2012 and 2013

In March 2010 heavy rainfall occurred in south eastern Australia. The resulting runoff filled dry wetlands and dams and caused major flooding along creeks and rivers. As the wetlands and creeks filled, the calls of frogs arose, calls which hadn’t been heard in such strength during the 11 years of the Millennium drought. The calls of breeding frogs continued to increase over the next two very wet years. Some people responded with annoyance at the noise which kept them awake at night and some responded with curiosity – what is that noise?

In response to the enquiry, Holbrook Landcare Network (HLN) initiated the study that is reported upon here. The study aimed to find out what species of frogs were present on the farms of interested landholders in the Holbrook region and to gain an idea of the abundance of those frog species. It also aimed at locating less common frog species including the threatened Sloane’ sFroglet. The study was limited to sites within 30 km of the town of Holbrook.