BEGA DISTRICT NEWS (Australia) 10 March 06 Constant croaking sounds success for frog program
Big smiles and the occasional croak are heralding early signs of success in the reintroduction of the endangered Green and Golden Bellfrog to the Far South Coast.
Following the release of some 4,000 tadpoles at a location near Pambula on 24 December, the first frogs are appearing.
Chair of the NPWS Far South Coast Regional Advisory Committee, Bob Ross, said today the success was a great tribute to NPWS Ranger George Malolakis, and the large team that had been working for the last six years to re-establish the Bellfrog in the local area.
"Our committee has been following this recovery project since its inception," Mr Ross said. "Members were disappointed to hear about a year ago that some of the tadpoles bred for release were infected with the fungus chytrid causing the proposed release to be cancelled. It's a great credit to the perseverance of George Malolakis and the enthusiasm and support of the local community that another attempt was made again this year, and that it is yielding such terrific results."
Mr Ross said the recovery program was a Natural Heritage Trust project, sponsored by the Bega Environment Network. It also involved local frog breeder Peter Johnson who raised the tadpoles in captivity, scientists from the CSIRO who checked the batch for any evidence of the fungus, Bega Valley Shire Council, ecologist Gary Daly and many volunteers.
"Ín all, it is a great model for the application of future recovery programs in our region and shows that many people are concerned to conserve the region's precious biodiversity," Mr Ross added.
Ranger George Malolakis is now calling for volunteers to help monitor the frogs. He can be contacted at NPWS's Merimbula Office on 6495 5026 or for further information Bob Ross, Chair Ph: 6495 0306
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