Participation
How to become involved in Melbourne Water's Frog Census
A step by step guide
Please mail or email a datasheet for each recording you make. This helps us ensure that we have data for all required fields
- FC datasheet printable (PDF 72kb)
- FC Datasheet to email (DOC 50kb)
Save these documents to your hard drive before opening and editing
Click here to Register yourself or your group to receive email updates and information on the frog census.
Make sure you have access to a tape recorder or digital recording equipment that makes a clear recording (Digital voice recorders, MP3 player / IPod - some cameras and mobile phones can also make sound recordings). A detachable microphone that you can direct towards the call will assist in making better quality recordings. Only record digitally if you are comfortable converting and sending electronic sound files - click here to read more about recording and sending digital sound files.
If you need a blank cassette, email a request to frogs@melbournewater.com.au.
When you are ready to start recording- find the places where frogs are calling in your local area (streams, rivers, ponds, wetlands and waterways). Ideal times to hear frog call are at dusk on warm still nights before or after rain.
When you hear a frog calling record details on the datasheet and then get as close as you can - state your name and location on the recording and then make a 30 second recording of the call (this is all we need to identify the call). If it is a complicated call or chorus you can make a longer recording - 2 mins maximum.
Ensure the frog calls can be heard clearly in your recording before returning it. If you want to identify the frogs on your recording go to the field guide on the Amphibian Research Centre's website.
Send your recording with the completed datasheet back to the below REPLY PAID address (this does not require a stamp) if you are sending a cassette or CD pack it in some padding to avoid breakage.
Frog Census
Melbourne Water
Reply Paid 4342
Melbourne VIC 8060
If your recording is electronic and you would like to email a sound file click here to read more about recording and sending digital sound files.
You should receive feedback on your recording within 8 weeks. Experts will analyse your call and let you know if which species they identified on the recording and give you feedback on the quality of your recording if necessary.
Download the Step by step Participation Guide (PDF 47kb)
For more information call Melbourne Water on 131 722 or give us feedback on line.