There is an incredibly rich frog presence in and around the Porongurup and on down to the Kalgan Plain to the north. This is probably because this area very quickly transitions through 3 different vegetation zones - Tall Forest; Jarrah Forest and Esperance Sandplain - all within just 20km or so. Although the Porongurup is located central to the distribution range of 6 (theoretically 7) different species of frogs it is because of our location that we also pick up another 1 by being on the fringe of a species with a more western range (Ranoidea moorei), 3 on the fringe of those with a more eastern range (Ranoidea cyclorhyncha, Heleioporus albopunctatus, Crinia subinsignifera), 3 on the fringe of a more southern range (Heleioporus eyrie, Crinia glauerti, Geocrinia leai) and 1 (of a potential 3) with a more northern range (Neobatrachus albipes). A total of 14 iNat research grade frog species have been observed (out of a potential of 17 species listed here in this guide) in this tiny little pocket! That's probably unequalled so far as density of frog biodiversity anywhere in Australia. Furthermore, every single one of the 17 species listed in this guide are endemic to the southwest corner of Western Australia. Monitoring frog populations not only helps us understand the impacts of environmental change but monitoring right here at the crossroads of distribution is especially important. These well recognised indicator species can also reflect changes in many other groups of plants and animals. Without doubt the Porongurup qualifies as a unique opportunity to monitor range boundary shift over time as we also monitor climate change. The best way to easily observe frogs is by using FrogID - a phone app developed by the Australian Museum. When doing surveys and you are handling frogs always wear disposable gloves to minimise the biosecurity risk (especially the chytrid virus which is now being observed in Western Australia as well). FrogID is a safe low impact approach and easy to use - no need to catch or even touch frogs - just record their call and upload the sound file. For the more serious frog watchers it is hoped this guide will assist.
This guide is available by logging in to your iNaturalist account and clicking on Guides. Please notify errors and/or omissions to @npk
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Frog Watch Porongurup
