Members of the public are being invited to join the group to do their part to bring back this native species, once common in northern Victoria, to Winton Wetlands.
Taskforce Growler is being launched at the Education Centre, Winton Wetlands, on Friday, November 25, from 5pm to 7.30pm
An event on the same day will bring together expert organisations co-operating and sharing their technical, and other, expertise to re-introduce this iconic species.
This will be followed late in the afternoon by a public celebration of the plans and a call to action for direct community support via the launch of Taskforce Growler.
Growling grass frogs were once common in Victorian wetlands but are now regarded as an endangered species.
They have not been seen at Winton Wetlands since the days of the former Lake Mokoan, which produced conditions not suitable for this type of frog to continue breeding.
They continue to survive in some other locations, including waterways managed by Coliban Water in central Victoria, which is planned to be the source for Winton Wetland’s renewed population.
With long-term work under way to restore Winton Wetlands to its original natural state, the plan to bring back growling grass frogs – or growlers, as they are affectionately known – is an important part of the overall wetland restoration project.
Growlers are known to be predators of other frogs, and are themselves a crucial food source for many wetland birds.
A re-established population of growlers can make a valuable contribution to maintaining a healthy ecological balance within the wetlands and boost the fortunes of many other native species.
According to restoration manager Lisa Farnsworth, bringing back the growlers will strike a major blow for promoting increased biodiversity in the region.
“If successful, it’s going to lead the way for other amphibian ‘re-wilding’ projects around Australia and beyond,” Dr Farnsworth said.
“So the stakes are high – and we need community support to make sure it happens.”
Taskforce Growler will offer a range of ways members of the public will be able to make direct practical contributions to the success of the growler relocation and breeding activities.
These will all be announced at the Taskforce Growler launch, along with the unveiling of a Taskforce Growler logo.
Fun children’s activities, light dinner and refreshments will be available.
The public celebration and launch event for Taskforce Growler is open to anyone interested.
If you are interested please RSVP any time in the week before the event via www.wintonwetlands.org.au — and follow the links provided.