An important next step in the reintroduction of Growling Grass Frogs (GGFs) is set to take place Monday the 9^th October - the frogs will be making the big move into their outdoor breeding pods.

The Growling Grass Frog, once common at Winton Wetlands and elsewhere, is being brought back to the wetlands in North East Victoria to help restore ecological functions and encourage the return of other native species – especially birds – back to the area.

The frogs first arrived on site into the quarantine lab space in March of this year after their movement from a wild population at the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant, under strict regulation. Since then, they have passed health checks and grown while patiently waiting for Winter to pass. Now it’s time for the frogs to move into their custom-built outdoor breeding pods where they will be matched up to breed.

The move marks an important next step in the reintroduction process as the progeny of this breeding season will be the first frogs to be officially released into the wetlands later this year and into early next year.

The care and support of the frogs is being diligently coordinated by ecologists and staff at Winton Wetlands supported by Swamps, Rivers & Ranges and the amazing volunteers from Taskforce Growler.

Taskforce Growler is an alliance between members of the public, wetland scientists and land and water managers across the region, working together in a coordinated effort. One of the important roles of Taskforce Growler members is to assist with this next step by ‘growing grub for growlers’ - helping to care and breed insect populations for feeding to adults or growing fresh garden greens to feed the tadpoles.

According to restoration manager Dr Lisa Farnsworth, bringing back the GGF – or ‘Growler’ as it is affectionately known will enhance the trajectory of the species both on sites and more broadly across the Northern Victorian region.

“Growlers are vulnerable in Victoria and have not been seen around Winton Wetlands since the time the wetlands were flooded to form Lake Mokoan over 50 years ago,” Dr Farnsworth said today.

“The habitat provided by Lake Mokoan was not appropriate to sustain Growlers. And although the lake was decommissioned more than 10 years ago, the frogs haven’t returned.”

The loss of growlers is believed to have contributed to the loss of other native species in the area, particularly birds which once fed on these frogs. “Growlers occupied a place in the local ecology which does not appear to be filled by any other frog species as they are both key prey and predators of the system. We consider Growlers a flagship for wetland restoration, as the conditions required to support Growlers align closely with the requirements of a broad range of other wetland dependant species.”

“With backing from Taskforce Growler, we’re hoping to be able to create a model for other amphibian ‘re-wilding’ projects around Australia and beyond.”

Taskforce Growler is offering a range of ways for members of the public to make direct practical contributions to the success of the growler relocation and breeding activities, through volunteering and fundraising activities. To register interest in joining Taskforce Growler head to https://wintonwetlands.org.au/taskforce-growler/ where you can learn more or get involved.