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Meet the growling grass frog
Scientific name: Litoria raniformis
Conservation status
Victoria Government status: Threatened with extinction
Australian Government status: Vulnerable
About
Ever wandered along a creek or wetland and thought you heard a motorbike revving? You might’ve been lucky enough to hear the call of the rare growling grass frog.
Once common throughout south-east Australia, this little critter is now listed as ‘threatened with extinction’ in Victoria.Growlers, as they’re affectionately known, are shy creatures and can be difficult to spot. They're usually found in wetlands or slow-moving pools of water, basking in the sun on the leaves of floating plants, or foraging for insects and spiders in open grassy areas.
Migration between populations is essential for the long-term survival of this species – they often travel hundreds of metres searching for breeding habitats.
Growling grass frog example call
Listen to the call of the growling grass frog.
Threats
- habitat loss
- drought
- diseases such as chytrid fungus
- predatory fish that eat eggs and tadpoles
- changes to stream flows and quality.
Where are they found?
Growling grass frogs are usually found in creeks, rivers, natural wetlands, quarry pits and dams.
What we are doing
We're establishing conservation areas in Melbourne’s growth areas, as development in these new suburbs progresses. Clusters of breeding wetlands will be created along the Werribee River and Kororoit, Merri, Jacksons and Cardinia creeks to provide additional habitat for many connected populations.
How you can help
Getting involved is easy, fun, and helps scientists gather information to protect this iconic species.
You only need a smartphone and the Melbourne Water Frog Census app [Android/iPhone] to start recording frog calls.
A frog ecologist will listen to every recording you submit on the Frog Census app and notify you if you have recorded a growling grass frog.
Page last updated: 05/03/24