Eight-year-old Tecoma scientist records rare frog in Yarra Valley billabong for first time in 24 years

A young aspiring scientist has recorded the threatened growling grass frog in the Yarra Valley for the first time in 24 years.

8-year-old Alice recorded the frog’s call with her mum Jess. Picture: Melbourne Water

An 8-year-old budding scientist has recorded the call of the threatened growling grass frog at Spadoni’s Billabong in Yering for the first time in 24 years.

Alice, of Tecoma, recorded the frog’s call on her mum’s phone while she was attending a Birrarung Riverfest event in September.

The recording, which was taken on the Melbourne Water Frog Census app, was later verified by ecologists.

The frog’s call was recorded at Spadoni’s Billabong in Yering for the first time in 24 years. Picture: Geoff Heard.

Alice’s mother Jess said she was thrilled by her discovery.

“She felt like a real citizen scientist,” Jess said.

“There were so many different frog calls in the area, and it was exciting to learn that we had captured a rare recording of a vulnerable frog species.

“Alice and I now listen for frogs wherever we go, whether in the garden or on walks.”

Jess also said Alice gave a presentation to her class about her discovery and was working on a frog-friendly habitat at home.

Freshwater ecologist and Melbourne Water co-ordinator Jane Petch said the recording was significant due to concerted habitat improvement efforts in the area.

“The recording of so many frog species at Spadoni’s Billabong reflects its improved ecological health thanks to the work of Melbourne Water to reconnect the billabong to the Yarra River,” she said.

“This means that the billabong now receives fresh inflows from the Yarra when river water levels are high.”

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see these targeted conservation efforts supporting the return of local wildlife.”