| Wildlife and biodiversity |
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Web-based wildlife project Wimmera CMA supports Birchip Cropping Group’s Web 2.0 project, which uses innovative web technologies to increase awareness of wildlife and biodiversity issues in our region. Many local land managers have installed refuge or wildlife ponds in recent years with help from Birchip Cropping Group and Wimmera CMA. The Web 2.0 project aims to connect people, particularly landholders, through the latest web-based tools. Many locals have already taken advantage of this new opportunity to discuss and share the benefits of wildlife ponds and assist with monitoring. Please click on the link to find out more about Web 2.0 and local populations of important frog and bird species: http://www.bcg.org.au/wildlife_ponds/index.php Frog monitoring Wimmera CMA launched a volunteer frog monitoring program during August 2008. The project aims to increase our understanding of frog distributions and their habitat requirements, as well as provide opportunities for the community to become involved in wildlife monitoring.
One of the most simple and effective ways of monitoring frogs is by listening to their calls. Only male frogs call, and each species has its own distinct call.
Growling Grass Frog. Photo Wimmera CMA.
This project targetted all varieties of frogs found in the Wimmera (13 known species). However, we especially hoped to target the Growling Grass Frog, and Bibron’s Toadlet, both listed as Endangered in Victoria, and were also seeking the whereabouts of a number of other species such as the Southern Toadlet (considered Vulnerable in Victoria) and populations of the Victorian Smooth Froglet, known to occur mainly in eastern Victoria and also the Grampians, just to name a few.
The program has had significant success, with a new species found to be inhabiting the Wimmera. Until now, the Peron’s Tree Frog was not recognised as a Wimmera dweller. Thanks to the assistance of some interested local residents and volunteers, we have successfully recorded the Peron’s Tree Frog calling along sections of Burnt Creek.
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