Science, culture and community come together to save the southern bell frog

South Australia’s threatened southern bell frog (Ranoidea raniformis) is the focus of a wide-reaching, community-driven conservation effort spanning habitat restoration, cultural engagement, volunteer leadership, and scientific expertise.

Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu is working with partners to help save the species through their federally funded Back from the Brink project.

The southern bell frog (Ranoidea raniformis) was once a common sight across much of southeastern Australia, before becoming locally extinct in the lower Murray during the Millennium Drought. As one of the largest frog species in Australia, it can grow up to 11 cm in length, with tadpoles reaching up to 9.5 cm.

Habitat enhancement and site development
At Clayton Bay, foundational habitat work is underway on private land, including earthworks and the installation of fish screens to exclude large invasive carp, and provide an optimal environment for a future southern bell frog release and breeding success.

At Currency Creek, Investigator College’s eco-centre wetland site continues to be ready for the future translocations. Frog habitat maintenance efforts to date include the installation of a new solar pump to maintain environmental water supplies to the wetland, student-led reed (typha) removal to increase areas of open water habitat with submerged vegetation, and the planting of riparian vegetation to enhance habitat and long-term site viability.

First Nations engagement and cultural knowledge
Staff from Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu and the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation recently visited two prospective release sites to explore cultural values, investigate site management requirements and identify pathways for future First Nations-led collaboration. These learnings are enriching the project’s vision for inclusive and culturally informed conservation.

Captive breeding and science collaboration
A one-day workshop to discuss the conservation and breeding of southern bell frogs was held at Monarto Safari Park in June. Coordinated by Zoos and Aquarium Association Australasia and Nature Glenelg Trust, and part-funded by Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu, the event brought together experts focused on optimising habitat, nutrition, and behavioural strategies in captive breeding programs.

At the Clayton Bay southern bell frog captive breeding facility, Nature Glenelg Trust and volunteers continue essential work including the construction of new quarantine infrastructure, funded by Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu, to treat frogs prior to their introduction into the captive population. This ensures robust health standards, improved captive management and success in breeding efforts.

Volunteer-driven success and community leadership
Volunteers are the beating heart of the facility, contributing several hours each week to care for the frogs and manage live food. They also work with contractors and council, manage a social media page, participate in planning meetings and support the Clayton Bay Community Nursery.

Their initiative and energy continue to fuel the facility's operations and enhance community connection.

Outreach and public engagement
The project has engaged both regional and scientific communities through tours and presentations delivered to local schools, naturalist groups and research organisations.

Students have had the opportunity to experience the project’s work up close, while naturalist groups and community members have taken part in guided tours and conversations that spotlight the project's ecological, cultural and scientific value.

A community united for frogs
Through science, stewardship, and shared passion, the project’s momentum reflects a growing movement to restore one of Australia’s iconic wetland species. As we approach a new breeding season, the southern bell frog continues to make progress toward recovery, thanks to the dedication of a committed conservation network.

Learn more about the Back from the Brink project and the southern bell frog at landscape.sa.gov.au/hf/backfromthebrink

The Back from the Brink project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust, and delivered by the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.