Project saving tiny South West frog from extinction takes huge hop forward

A project saving one of Australia’s tiniest frogs has made a huge hop forward.

Environmental organisation South West NRM’s efforts to save the critically endangered white-bellied frog from extinction met a new milestone last month, with researchers powering on an automatic irrigation system for the first time.

Working with a host of project partners, and with funding from the Australian Government, the irrigation system is one of two ongoing projects the NRM is conducting in the South West aiming to grow the diminishing populations of frog.

The tiny frogs currently only occupy a 2km area of suitable habitat near Margaret River.

The irrigation project has the NRM working with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions on a novel approach to rehydrate creek beds which have, at times, become too dry for the frogs to breed.

Last month the NRM reached a major milestone, powering on the automatic irrigation system for the first time.

The pump consists of a 23,000 litre water tank, solar-powered pump, irrigation controller and an intricate maze of delicately installed reticulation pipe and sprinklers woven into the fragile ecosystem.

In addition, the first dataset on soil moisture levels being monitored at the project site by a series of sensors was transferred via satellite to the project team who are using specialist software to remotely and continuously track conditions.

South West NRM chief executive Dr Manda Page said the aim of rehydrating the area was to maintain moisture in the shallow soil layers where the frogs live to extend their life expectancy.

“Drying conditions in our South West are having an impact on survival rates of this frog species,” she said.

“With the sprinklers being turned on and the soil conditions now being monitored remotely, we have achieved the purpose of this project.

“It will be some time until we know what impact this rehydration method is having on the future of the white-bellied frog.

“But that is the nature of environmental science. It takes time, patience and perseverance to see results and create positive change.”

Soil conditions will be compared to an adjacent area where monitoring is also occurring but not being supplemented with reticulation.

Dr Page said the project could only be done thanks to the extensive amount of project partners, contractors and supporting organisations coming together to problem solve in a complex operation.

“DBCA provided technical assistance for placement of irrigation and monitoring sensors, Water Corporation supplied a large source of tested, fresh water,” Dr Page said.

“The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River advised on maintenance of fire breaks and specifications for the truck turnaround.

“The Karridale and Witchcliffe Volunteer Bushfire Brigade used their tanker to cart the water to site and our contractors Flow Earthworks and Think Water Busselton have really gone the extra mile.

“You can be assured this was not your average garden reticulation installation, but the level of attention paid by all who worked at the site to minimising disturbance in this pristine environment has been seriously remarkable.

“While at times challenging, everyone has been united in their commitment to helping these tiny frogs.”