Become a frog pond friend

The Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife is calling for Geraldton residents to consider building ponds for their amphibious neighbours.

WA frogs are under threat from a fungus infection and the drying landscape is eliminating their potential habitats.

Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife chief executive Susanna Bradshaw said water was incredibly important for Australia’s huge variety of frogs.

“Australian frogs are facing threats from the devastating Chytrid fungus, water pollution, drought, predation from introduced pests and much more, ” she said.

“Their numbers haven’t plummeted like this since the extinction of the dinosaurs.

“So anything you can do around Geraldton to provide habitat for them will be a big help.”

Common species native to the Mid West include the motorbike, western banjo and slender tree frogs.

The foundation recommends selecting a pond location that has two-thirds shade and one-third sun, and lining the hole with sand after digging to prevent the pond from being punctured.

Ponds can be built out of fibreglass, hard plastic or pond liner, and old unused pools can also be converted into ponds.

Ms Bradshaw said frogs were great to have around as they showed a healthy local ecosystem due to their sensitivity to chemicals and environmental degradation.

“Don’t touch frogs as any sunscreen or insect repellent on your skin can make them sick, ” she said.

It can take a few months to attract frogs to a new pond as they wait for chlorine to evaporate out of the water and aquatic plants to grow in, but frog activity will peak in warm, wet weather.