Geelong,  Victoria - Southern Bell Frog

 

The Southern Bell Frog Litoria raniformis is a large frog and was once common throughout its range.  Formerly numbered in their millions, this species is now estimated to have a wild population of as little as fifty thousand across its southern range. It is now listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

Chytrid disease, a major threat to a range of Australian frogs, is well established in NSW and SA populations of the Southern Frog.  In Victoria, populations are relatively disease-free, but the pressures of decreasing water quality, water flows and habitat extent are placing pressures on these frogs which will undoubtedly decrease their resilience to disease and broader population health. 

Shell EcoVolunteers will create and enhance habitat for the Southern Bell Frog and other aquatic life along the Barwon River.   Volunteers will work with land manager to create and remediate a series of wetlands along the Barwon River edge, expanding the habitat and enhancing the resilience of this species to changes facing it today and in future. 

Reinstating 5 separate wetland habitats suitable for Southern Bell Frogs along the Barwon River

  • Remove invasive weeds from degraded wetlands
  • Reconstruct localized hydrology as necessary
  • Plant indigenous wetland vegetation
  • Install appropriate habitat elements
  • Provide appropriate signage

Establishing a storm water treatment wetland and Southern Bell Frog habitat along the river trail

  • Identify high-impact/high volume storm water inputs to the Barwon
  • Design treatment wetlands
  • Create wetland shell
  • Phase planting of aquatic vegetation and storm water inflow
  • Monitor and maintain wetland condition

Create community awareness of the Southern Bell Frog as a resident icon of the river and a species sensitive to urban catchment impacts.

  • Install signage at appropriate high-visibility locations along river trails
  • Initiate schools program for schools within the local urban catchment area
  • Media placement of frog-related articles and reports

 

For more information about the new CVA and Shell initiative: