Go frogging

OK so you’ve got your field guide to frogs and online guides, you have looked at heaps of photos, you’ve read all you need to know about photography and you want to find some frogs of your own to perhaps photograph and put in the photography competition. But where to get started?

Probably the best place to start is to join your local frog society. They often run lectures and field trips. They will be able to give you great local knowledge like where to go and point out frogs to you so that you get an idea about what to do.

Below is a list of frog societies. Choose the one that best suits your needs and location. Happy Frogging!

* Australian Herpetological Society (AHS)

* Australian Herpetology Societies Websites

* Australian Society of Herpetologists

* New South Wales Frog and Tadpole Study Group, New South Wales

* Queensland Frog Society

* Victorian Frog Group

I’m too impatient and want to go frogging now!

OK, OK, settle down. Well let’s get you started.

But first we need to talk more about the Chytrid Fungus. It is important that you don’t spread this disease. Some simple steps laid out from the Queensland Frog society can help.

SCRAPE, SCRUB and DISINFECT - DON'T SPREAD DISEASE!

Chytrid fungus disease (chytridiomycosis) has killed many frogs in recent years and may have been responsible for the extinction of some Queensland species. Since we love frogs, it is important that we do not love them to death by helping to spread those deadly fungi.

Froggers must be squeaky clean and observe the following rules:

All equipment used in wading, capturing, handling and transporting frogs must be scrubbed clean of debris or caked mud and doused thoroughly with household bleach. This is especially important when moving significant distances to other frog sites or when moving from one stream channel to another.

Remember! SCRAPE, SCRUB and DISINFECT - DON’T SPREAD DISEASE!

It is far better to try and only go frogging in one spot but if you are going frogging in more that one spot, ensure that you find out all you can about how Chytrid Fungus spreads and don’t become a spreader.

Frogs need a lot of moisture to live. They are often found around waterways, wetlands and creeks. Most frogging will happen at night so wear tough, long pants, sturdy shoes and take warm clothing even if it is hot.

Often the best frogging is during or soon after rain. I’m sure you know what to do if it rains.

Many people like to use waders. These, and a raincoat, will keep you toasty and warm even in the wettest, muddiest conditions. You can buy waders at fishing tackle shops.

Every frog has it’s own clock. If you are just starting out, try to find a likely spot near you and visit it at night, as often as you can. Good times are often during light rain and after very heavy rain. Never enter flood waters and be aware that heavy rain can lead to flash flooding. Try not to go it alone but if you do make sure someone knows where you are and when you are likly to be back.

Just about anywhere there is water. You can try and ask a local frog group (why not join) for advice or simply go to your local creeks, lakes and swamps.

Most frog identification is done from a distance. Experienced froggers can turn up to a pond/waterway, stick their head out of the car and tell you exactly what frogs are there. No, they can’t see them, it’s night and probably in the rain. No, they aren’t psychic and they don’t even use their eyes. Frogs are, more often than not, easily identified by their call. In fact this is often thought to be a more accurate method than by visually examining them.

Here are some web sites that have frog calls. If you can record their calls (perhaps on a mobile phone) you can bring the call back home and try to identify the frog(s) there.

Victorian Museum Frog id page

You can also buy CD’s with frog calls. These are a great resource. You can play them in your car or even at the water’s edge to compare.

If you want to photograph a frog, you are going to have to find it. Listen to the calls and try to pick out one frog. The loud calls can be hard to locate and sometimes frogs can be easily spooked so go slow. It can be helpful to get friends involved and surround it. Moving in one step at a time.

Use a torch sparingly as they sometimes spook the frogs.

Take your photo and post it in the Scribblygum photo competitions.

Happy frogging.