Frog pond restoration at Wacol Bushlands in full swing
Wacol Bushlands has just received another biodiversity lift with the completion of Phase 1 of a ephemeral frog pond restoration project on 27 October 2011.
This project is being driven by the Wolston & Centenary Catchments (WaCC) with support from Brisbane City Council’s (BCC) Natural Environment Unit.
WaCC used monies from their Threatened Species Grant to purchase 1000 indigenous wetland species including grasses, sedges and rushes. These were planted in a thick density of up to 5 plants per square meter around the ponds 80mt perimeter by bush care contractor ‘Brisbane Bushcare’.
This type of planting configuration will, over time, create a dense strip of natural vegetation around the entire pond. This ‘strip’ will act as a natural filter for run off into the pond by reducing sediment and oxygenating water in the pond. Further, it will create a natural barrier that will reduce cane toads from accessing the pond while providing vital habitat for native frog species.
One species of frog that WaCC is hopeful of attracting to the pond is the once common but now elusive Tusked Frog (Adelotus brevis). As the name suggest, the male contains two ‘tusks’ on its bottom jaw that are used as a defence mechanism when fending off rival males. This frog is listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the Queensland Government’s ‘Nature Conservation Act 1992’ and is mentioned in the BCC’s Conservation Action Statement (CAS).
Work has begun on Phase 2 of this project, this to address erosion issues and improve sub surface moisture by laying soil saving matting. See photo by Ed Parker attached
For more information, please
contact Sean Marler, WaCC Creek Catchment Ranger, on 0400 711 321, or email: |
