The Growling Grass Frog Littoria ranifomis is a significant fauna species listed as vulnerable under the Commonwealth EPBC Act, and listed as a threatened taxon under the Victorian FFG Act.
The responsible authority (i.e. council, State or Commonwealth Government) may request a targeted survey for the Growling Grass Frog if an action will result in the removal of potential Growling Grass Frog habitat or known Growling Grass Frog populations.
DESCRIPTION: The Growling Grass Frog is a large frog up to 100 millimeters in length. Colour varies from olive brown to bright emerald green, with large iridescent bronze-gold patches, a pale belly and bright blue coloring on the back of the legs and groin.
HABITAT: The Growling Grass Frog generally prefers permanent, still open water bodies with some emergent and fringing aquatic vegetation.
DISTRIBUTION: The Growling Grass Frog, once widespread throughout Victoria, has undergone a decline over the past 20 years. A number of threats are thought to have contributed to the decline of the Growling Grass Frog, including:
· The loss and widespread alteration, degradation and fragmentation of habitat.
· The construction of barriers to movement (i.e. roads, buildings, fences).
· Disease (Chytrid fungus).
· Predation by introduced species (i.e. Eastern Gambusia, Red Fox, Cat).
· The use of chemical pollutants (i.e. pesticides) within and adjacent to habitat.
TARGETED SURVEYS: Targeted surveys for the Growling Grass Frog are undertaken at night during their breeding season in spring-summer. Growling Grass Frog habitat (fringing, emergent, floating and submerged vegetation) is searched with 30-watt spotlights and Growling Grass Frog call imitation is conducted to illicit responses from male frogs. A known occupied reference site should be monitored to indicate the start of the calling/breeding season.
NOTE: Targeted surveys for Growling Grass Frog should be undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced personnel with appropriate permits and approvals.
For more information regarding the services Beacon Ecological can provide and Targeted Surveys for Growling Grass Frog please click contact.
