Frogs on the move

GROWLING grass frogs are being moved to the Winton Wetlands near Benalla from the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant.

Coliban Water staff, ecologists, researchers and volunteers are relocating the frogs as part of Taskforce Growler, aiming to create a breeding program and reverse population decline.

“We’re delighted to have joined forces with the Winton Wetlands to rewild this species and help improve diversity in native fauna at Winton,” Coliban Water environmental specialist Lisa Cox said.

“The Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant is one of the only habitats of the endangered species in central Victoria and the Coliban Water team will be part of the relocation of a group of frogs to their new habitat.”

Manager of restoration and adaptive management at the Winton Wetlands Dr Lisa Farnsworth said the frogs will likely stabilise the ecosystem.

“We expect that the reintroduction of an ecologically distinct frog species will improve the systems’ resilience and long-term viability,” she said.

“This is a massive undertaking… and we’re using a well-considered and ethically approved method of translocation, to ensure the safe delivery of the frogs to Winton.

“We’ve done a huge amount of due diligence to ensure the safety of the frogs, including relevant Wildlife Act permits.”