Can you be too old for a frog pond? Not according to John and Veronica Groat, North Central Waterwatchers, who live at Strathallan. 

Inspired and enthused with information from the 2012 North Central Waterwatch Forum on Frogs, held in Newstead, the couple set about putting a frog pond in the paddock near their vegetable patch. 

When the Groats moved into the area some ten years ago there was no sign of frogs on their property. This was not surprising as the area had been in drought for a couple of years. 

At the Newstead forum they learnt that 15 species of indigenous frogs are known to the region, including two threatened species, the Growling Grass Frog (Litoria raniformis) and the Bibron’s Toadlet (Pseudophryne bibronii).
 
The North Central Waterwatch Frogs Field Guide published by North Central CMA, gave John and Veronica added ammunition and a handy resource for frog spotting. The guide is packed with good information and photos of the three species of Tree Frogs and 12 species of Southern Frogs occurring within the region. 

The frog pond, a fibreglass affair, is now up and running, surrounded by rocks and clumps of native grasses, and of course seating. 

Two distinct types of tadpoles are metamorphasising and are at about 10 weeks or close to the halfway range for many of the local species. 

After much scrutiny John and Veronica think (and hope) they may have Spotted Marsh Frogs (Limnodynaste tasmaniensis) and Pobblebonks (Limnodynastes dumerilli) enjoying their pond. 

The pond has provided the Groats with what has now become a favourite pastime. 

Each afternoon, after a hard day’s work around the property they sit with a glass of wine or a beer and peer into the pond. 

Discussions about the progress and possible lineage of the tadpoles provide a very satisfying and relaxing end to the day.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au