All about Frogs and how You can help Them!Frogs are dissppearing worldwide, because they are highly susceptible to changes in their environments in a number of ways. In Australia a number of species have just disappeared, even some species living on high and unpolluted moutain tops.Loss and alteration of habitat has been responsible for species loss across the entire planet. Removal of plants and trees, alterations to water catchments and water quality has resulted in frogs losing their food, and their resting and breeding areas.
Declines appeared to start in Australia in the late 1970's and continued through the 1980's and are still continuing. While the causes of some localised declines can be readily attributed to a given factor such as urbanisation, introductions of game fish into streams and impoundments, the causes of most frog declines are not known.
 Perhaps more worrying is that the declines of the frogs seems to be a global, rather than just an Australian problem. Scientists attending conferences told similar stories of frog declines and soon a number of trends became evident. Certain species of frogs appear to have suffered more than others. Species from highland and cool temperate areas appear to have suffered most. Likewise for those species which diurnally bask, such as L. aurea. Certainly frog declines have spread northwards in Queensland through the 1980's and into the 1990's. We still dont know what has caused these declines, although some species appear to have recovered in some areas, but in different areas to where they were formerly known.
Each and every one of us can play a significant role in preventing local level habitat loss. By understanding and reducing the impacts of our actions on the surrounding environment, we can reduce habitat damage and help restore damaged ecosystems.
 Above, a Red Tree Frog...note the small red tick on its back. Frogs have complex lifestyles. They need different habitats at different stages of their develpment. Eggs and tadpoles need water and protection from predators. When the tadpoles metaphorph into frogs and leave the water, they still need protection, and still need to return often to the water. By planting native plants and building a pond you can create an ideal habitat for frogs that live in your local area. Frog-friendly gardens are an easy way to help frogs survive. A damp shaded area with small shallow pond, uncut grass and vegetation around it,some mulch chips for small frogs to shelter under,and you have frog habitat in your own backyard. Elswhere on this websitwe we explain how to build simple frog pond. Frog habitat needs lots of plants, especially natives, plenty of ground cover, rocks to hide They need logs, leaf litter, and moisture. And the frogs will come! Frog Info Below http://www.frogsaustralia.net.au/ http://www.frogs.org.au/frogs http://www.rainforest-australia.com/frogs.htm http://www.anbg.gov.au/anbg/frogs http://www.frogwatch.org.au/ http://www.smuggled.com/frodec1.htm
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