Using acoustic data (frog call recordings) to understand the distribution and habitat preferences of threatened amphibian species

Theme: Biodiversity and conservation science, Ecology genetics and evolution, Environmental management, Zoology and wildlife biology

Description: 

Australia has lost seven species of frogs due to the emergence of the devastating frog chytrid fungal disease, chytridiomycosis (pronounced ‘ki-tri-di-o-my-co-sis’). Many other species have declined or have experienced dramatic range and niche contractions. For example, the tusked frog, Adelotus brevis, has been lost from upland areas around southeast Queensland, but is still relatively widespread in the lowlands.

This project seeks to understand the current occupancy of several key threatened frog species by utilising acoustic call recording data collected around southeast Queensland, and associating this back to environmental and habitat variables to improve understanding of the drivers limiting population expansion. The findings from this study will be used to inform conservation management for amphibians.

Additional Information: This project is a collaboration with Griffith University and has been funded by the Queensland Government Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Contact: Dr Laura Grogan