TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT MEDIA RELEASE (Hobart, Australia) 06 July 11 Apps users urged to log a frog
iPhone users have the opportunity to help build a record of frog distribution across Tasmania.
The Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage, Brian Wightman, said a “Frog Log” app from Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) enables an iPhone or iPad user to log occurrences of frogs in the wild.
“An innovative sightings function on the app allows GPS-enabled devices, including most iPhones and iPads, to send in the coordinates of frog sightings,” he said.
“This will help scientists build a record of the distribution of frogs in Tasmania, an important task given the number of frogs is declining.”
Mr Wightman said the “Frog Log” app features calls, photos and information about 11 of Tasmania’s common and endemic frogs, including the rare moss froglet and the vulnerable green and gold frog.
It also provides details on frog habitat, distribution and breeding.
“This is a good example of citizen science where the public can become engaged in research-related tasks simply by using their hand-held technology,” he said.
The “Frog Log” app follows the Parks and Wildlife Service’s popular guide to Tasmanian birds, "A Bird in the Hand", launched in 2009. Originally featuring the calls and photos of 23 birds, the app is being expanded to include a new edition of more than 40 birds.
The “Frog Log” app was produced in cooperation with Geometry Pty Ltd and features high-quality images by PWS Discovery Ranger Alex Dudley and sound recordings by Ron Nagorcka.
It is available from the iTunes Store.
Apps users urged to log a frog