Local Musicians
By Suzette Rodoreda
The Growling Grass Frog is one of Victoria’s most iconic native frog species. Once common throughout Melbourne, these large, brightly coloured frogs are known for their distinctive growling call, which has been compared to the sound of a motorbike engine.
Today, the Growling Grass Frog is listed as a vulnerable species in Victoria due to the loss and degradation of its natural habitat. These frogs rely on healthy wetland environments, including still or slow-moving water for breeding, as well as open areas with rocks, logs, and sparse vegetation where they can rest and bask in the sun.
While fallen logs and natural debris may appear untidy, they play a crucial role in providing shelter and habitat for local wildlife, including the Growling Grass Frog. Protecting these natural features helps support the survival of this remarkable species.
We are fortunate to have Growling Grass Frogs living within the Skeleton Creek area. Through habitat restoration, native planting, and responsible creek management, our community can help protect and enhance the environment they depend on for generations to come.
Growling grass frog. Photo: Dr Geoff Heard
Common eastern froglet (Crinia signifera)
This is the most common frog along Skeleton Creek and the one most often heard – although you’ll be hard-pressed to spot one! They are quite a small frog, only up to 3cm long, and they hide quite well in vegetation, water or just under the soil. They are hard to identify as they can be brown and splotchy, grey-green and splotchy, beige or splotchy – you get the idea. They are relatively tolerant of pollution and so are the most widely spread frog in south-eastern Australia
Striped or Spotted marsh frogs (Limnodynastes peronii/Limnodynastes tasmaniensis)
These marsh frogs are both relatively common along the creek and are similar in size but can be differentiated by their call and the pattern on their backs – one has stripes and the other has spots! They are an important part of the ecosystem with their tadpoles eating mosquito larvae and the adults consuming many aquatic and aerial insects.
Peron’s tree frog (Litoria peronii)
When we hear “tree frog”, most people think about the large green tree frogs of QLD – our tree frog is a bit smaller but can still get up to 7cm in length, and it is not bright green. Rather, it is a light brown or grey colour with tiny emerald -green spots and a thin black line from behind the eye to the top of the arm. Another tell-tale identification feature is its cross-shaped pupil. As its name suggests, it can be found in trees, wooden fence posts or sometimes on the ground.
Photo: Stephan Mahony
Photo: Hal Cogger
Photo: Jodi Rowley
Call recorded by Jodi Rowley
Call recorded by Jodi Rowley
Call recorded by Jodi Rowley