This Green and Golden Bell frog (pictured wearing a cricket hat) is among those being saved by new, exciting research participants can take part in. Photo: Milad Esmaeilbeigi, University of Canberra.
It’s no secret science has played an instrumental role in conserving ACT frogs. Back in the 1980s, scientists observed the Territory’s frog population had significantly declined but the cause was unknown until a study from Queensland discovered a specific fungus harming our frogs.
It took one field of science to diagnose the fungus problem. But according to the ACT and Region FrogWatch coordinator and self-professed ‘crazy frog lady’ Anke Maria Hoefer, it will take many other fields of science to solve it.
“Now we know the cause we can look at what the fungus needs to survive and then try to create conditions contrary to that without harming the frogs,” Anke Maria says.
So now, mycology (the study of fungi), metallurgy (the study of metals) and batrachology (the study of frogs) all combine to help in the fight to save an endangered species, the Green and Golden Bell frog.
“The scientists in each of these fields are amazing, young, gung-ho scientists, each with a different focus but they are all working to solve the one frog-related problem,” Anke Maria says.
FrogWatch ACT, a community-based frog monitoring program, is part of the Ginninderra Catchment Group and funded by the ACT Government.
As part of National Science Week, 9-17 August, Canberrans will have the opportunity to attend a workshop and learn how they can assist the recovery of Green and Golden Bell frogs.
Workshop participants will get to see the truly experimental side of science as they gain first-hand experience in the use of frog saunas, spa treatments, and the application of metals such as copper and zinc to replenish frog populations.
“Little, tiny conditions can be investigated in a lab, which we then expand out into the environment,” Anke Maria says.
“Tactics such as frog saunas give frogs safe places to stay when travelling overland between wetlands. There is even work being done to see if the use of copper or zinc in water can help the frogs, these are the same metals in smartphones.”
The workshop will help educate the public on the easy, small things that can be done to help frogs, especially during the winter, a vulnerable time for them.
Amateur scientists will receive instruction on how to build frog saunas, giving individuals the power to enact positive environmental change.
“A frog sauna is much easier to build than a human sauna,” Anke Maria says.
“The community can make a real impact on bringing back frog populations with these frog saunas. They take about 15 minutes to build and you could get the materials you need from a hardware store for under $50.”
Following the workshop, scientists will be taken out to the wetlands and shown a frog health retreat in action. They will also be taught how to listen out for frog calls.
“If we’re lucky we may hear a few on our little adventure. It’s so exciting, people love frogs.” Anke Maria says.
Science In and Out of the Pub: Frogs, fungus and funky metals, held at the Polish White Eagle Club on Thursday 14 August, is just one event happening in the ACT as science takes centre stage across the country for National Science Week.
In partnership with the CSIRO, Questacon and the ABC, National Science Week brings the wonder of the study of our world to the community. Events for all ages cover everything from agriculture to the environment, health, technology, mathematics, industry, physics, space and chemistry.
The ACT will enjoy a scientific film festival, which will put a focus on award-winning sci-fi and documentary short films, nature adventures for kids to explore the wonders of insects with hands-on play, and challenges where kids use teamwork and science to prevent a simulated global pandemic.
“Canberra is full of brilliant thinkers and makers, from backyard inventors to world-class researchers,” Dr Rachelle Bonner, National Science Week ACT co-chair says.
“This week is all about celebrating science in its many forms and inviting the whole community to explore, ask questions, and get a little messy in the name of discovery.
“There’s so much wonder in the world and science gives us the tools to understand it and change it for the better.”
For more information and bookings for the events visit National Science Week.
