A flood of hope: southern bell frogs bounce back
Have you recently walked by a wetland and heard an unusual "wup-wup-wup" echoing through the reeds—something you couldn’t quite place?
That’s the unmistakable call of the southern bell frog, a true Aussie icon with its green and gold coat and bold voice.
This season, our ecologists have been hopping for joy as this vibrant amphibian has made its presence known during every Riverland frog survey so far conducted by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board.
Record numbers of calls heard
Since the 2022-23 floods, the Wetlands team have recorded the southern bell frog calling at every survey site upstream of Berri, including Templeton, Paringa, Bookmark Creek, and Martin Bend. In fact, they’ve observed the highest numbers at some locations compared to previous years, marking an encouraging sign for the recovery of this vulnerable species.
Perfect conditions for breeding
The recent flows, combined with warmer weather, have created ideal breeding conditions for this flood-responding species. Wetlands influenced by higher river levels offered the perfect habitat, with lignum and fringing vegetation submerged to provide food, shelter, and breeding sites. The high-water levels, maintained for over 2 months in some areas, supported the lengthy transformation of tadpoles to frogs, which can take up to 3 months for species like the southern bell frogs.
Looking ahead
During 2025, our Wetlands team plans to begin refilling wetlands adjoining the river and delivering environmental water to temporary wetlands, in the hope of sustaining high numbers of southern bell frogs. Tadpole surveys at Overland Corner temporary wetland started in January 2025, tracking the progression of their growth and transformation.
Why it matters
The southern bell frog is more than just a wetland resident; it’s an important indicator of a healthy ecosystem. Hearing their calls in such abundance is a promising sign of recovery for our wetlands and the species that depend on them.
In recent years, the Wetlands team has carefully managed water levels at known southern bell frog sites to create ideal conditions, particularly during their critical metamorphosis stage. Targeted conservation efforts ensure enough water and food resources are available to support this remarkable species through its lifecycle.
With continued conservation efforts and managing their environment to provide optimal conditions, we hope to see their numbers soar even higher in the years to come.
So next time you’re near a wetland and hear that resonant “wup-wup-wup,” take a moment to appreciate the southern bell frog’s remarkable comeback - oh and don't forget to record the call on FrogSpotter!
This initiative is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and the landscape levies, and the environmental water was provided by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.