Saving the Growling Grass Frog at Wirra Lo Wetlands

Wetland Revival Trust is thrilled to announce we are one of 61 projects that have been awarded a 2024 Saving Native Species grant from the Australian Government.

Our grant of $291,676 will see the nationally vulnerable Growling Grass Frog population at Wirra Lo Wetlands thrive with a number restoration and protection activities to take place over the next two years.

The once abundant Growling Grass Frog has experienced substantial decline since the 1970s, facing significant threats primarily due to habitat destruction, river regulation which has changed the flooding patterns of wetlands, impacts caused by feral animals, and susceptibility to disease and drought. 

 

Our project is a practical response to combat the decline of this iconic species, and includes the planting of 27,000 riparian and aquatic plants, invasive species control and a plan to restore the natural hydrology of the landscape.

Wirra-Lo Wetlands plays a vital role in conserving 34 threatened plant and animal species, including the Growling Grass Frog, nationally endangered Stiff Groundsel, Australasian Bittern and Ridged Water-milfoil.

On announcing the recipients of the Saving Native Species fund, Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek said, “Our government is committed to achieving our target of zero new extinctions in Australia and our $24 million investment in grassroots projects will help to better protect our threatened species.”