David De Angelis
Frogs Victoria
Dave is Frogs Victoria Treasurer, a naturalist, environmental educator and zoological consultant with a background in ecological land management. He is particularly interested in the conservation and ecology of frogs and reptiles.
Persistence of the Growling Grass Frog (Litoria raniformis) in the middle Yarra River catchment
The Growling Grass Frog (Litoria raniformis) was common across the greater Melbourne area before the start of the century, but has since become largely restricted to western and northern areas close to the urban fringe, and near-coastal habitats in the outer south-east. Calls thought to be those of the Growling Grass Frog were heard on a private property in Coldstream, the Yarra Valley, in October 2019. Auditory and visual surveys targeting the species were undertaken on the property over two nights in December of the same year. Multiple individuals were head calling during both surveys and 14 were seen on the second night, including a metamorph. The record is of significance as the species is not known to have been reported from the Shire of Yarra Ranges or wider middle to upper Yarra River catchment since 2006.