The run of overcast days with a bit of rain here and there is what our winter-calling frogs love best! And if you’re keen to go out and hear some of these frogs, an easy spot to enjoy a walk is along the High Country Rail Trail near Killara. There is parking available at the end of Gullifer Lane (off the Murray Valley Highway), then it’s a short walk to the right along the rail trail to where the second section of raised boardwalks are located. In these wetter areas you might be lucky enough to hear the endangered Sloane’s froglet (Crinia sloanei)!

These are very small frogs, at around only 1.5 – 2.5 cm long! Recent studies have suggested that the range of this species has reduced dramatically due to changes in its habitat caused by human disturbance (for example, clearing or filling of wetlands for development) and its now only found in inland NSW and central northern VIC. Sloane’s froglet likes wetlands that are subjected to periodic inundation and have gently sloping banks as well as small-stemmed vegetation, on which they attach their eggs. Their peak calling period is from June to September, with males calling from submerged vegetation.

Some other species you might hear include the common eastern froglet (Crinia signifera) and the spotted marsh frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis). These two species have their peak calling period from winter to early spring. You can listen to the calls of these and many other Australian frogs on the FrogID app. The app also allows you to record and submit frog calls so that an expert at the Australian Museum can identify them for you. By contributing records, you can play a part in establishing a national frog database that can help scientists to understand the distribution of species better and to discern any changes over time which can inform conservation planning. So why not give it a go?