Australian Museum leads nation's largest frog count

The Australian Museum is again leading the nation's largest frog count during the seventh annual FrogID Week, currently underway until 17th November.

One of Australia’s biggest citizen science projects, FrogID has recorded more than 1.1 million records through the free app, which has become a vital resource for scientific research, conservation efforts and has assisted in the discovery of new species and, importantly, aims to help save our frogs.

Dr Jodi Rowley, Australian Museum Lead Scientist for FrogID and Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology at the Australian Museum, said FrogID Week’s growing momentum highlights how citizen science can assist a greater understanding of biodiversity responses to climate change.

Dr Rowley notes “this year, FrogID Week 2024 aims to gather at least 15,000 new verified frog calls and expand the geographical spread of frog records from 38% to more than 40% of Australia, with a long-term goal of covering 50% of Australia by 2027.”

Since its inception, FrogID has been instrumental in enhancing frog conservation efforts across Australia, contributing findings to research papers, aiding the discovery of new species, and helping to inform the conservation assessments of frog species under Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Kim McKay AO, Director and CEO of the Australian Museum, said the FrogID project has delivered critical information about Australian frogs and connected Australians to citizen science and their environment.   

McKay notes “the public’s efforts ensured FrogID was able to record its millionth frog call in February, and this success demonstrates that thousands of Australians are invested in the care and conservation of our frogs.’

According to Dr Rowley, frogs are “among the most threatened animals on the planet, frogs are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, and indicators of environmental health. By monitoring our frog populations, not only can we gather the information we need to help better understand and conserve frogs, but we can understand the very health of our environment.

“Each year, FrogID Week builds on previous the data it has gathered, contributing to ground-breaking research and providing invaluable results that helps better understand and conserve these vital species. Every recording captured on FrogID counts!”