The first wetland habitat constructed for endangered frogs under a Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s (DELWP) nature conservation program for urban growth areas is proving a success, with 15 young Growling Grass Frogs found in the area.
Announcing the find, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio said DELWP’s Melbourne Strategic Assessment Program demonstrated that high-quality habitat could be created to provide a sanctuary next door to some of the city’s newest suburbs.
“Another 80 habitat wetlands will be protected or created in Growling Grass Frog conservation areas as Melbourne’s four growth areas are developed over the next 20 years,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“The Growling Grass Frog was declared endangered in Victoria in 2002,” she said.
“It was once widespread and common, but populations have declined since the 1990s due mainly to habitat loss and a deadly fungal disease.”
Ms D’Ambrosio said ‘Growlers’ needed still or slow-moving pools with warm places to bask and dense mats of submerged vegetation to protect tadpoles.
“The new purpose-built habitat wetlands − designed to encourage breeding and reduce the impact of disease − will help the frogs thrive,” she said.
“Design standards also cover adjacent habitat such as grassed areas, which are important for the frogs to forage, shelter and move between wetlands.”
Ms D’Ambrosio said the Program was being delivered in collaboration with Melbourne Water, Traditional Owner groups, local Councils across Melbourne, landowners and the Urban Development Institute of Australia.
