Habitats and Behaviours
Hi again!
We were going to conduct an audit in Benny’s backyard to see how many toads and frogs currently inhabit it, but unfortunately, our research has informed us that most toads and frogs are quite inactive in winter. Instead, we have done some internet research about the habitat requirements and behaviour patterns of frogs and toads.
Cane toads:
- Prefer open clearings in urban environments, grassland and woodland
- Do not have specific breeding requirements – they just need a body of fresh water (or even up to 15% salinity) of almost any nature
- Tend to prefer pools of water that have shallow, muddy slopes without too much vegetation
- Enjoy well-manicured lawns
- Are mostly active in the evenings in warm months of the year
- During the day, like to keep cool under rocks and in hollow logs
We did a bit of general research about native frogs, and some more specific about two breeds that are known to inhabit the Brisbane area:
- Green tree frogs are typically found in the canopy of trees near a still-water source. However, they can survive in swamps (among the reeds) or in grasslands in cooler climates.
- The Striped Burrowing Frog (C. alboguttata) lives in woodlands, grassy and cleared areas. It is usually only seen around temporary pools and water-filled claypans. The species is active by day and night
- Different species of native frogs have different habitat requirements. For example, some tree-dwelling frogs shelter on the underside of leaves while others burrow into sand or hide under rocks
- There are several breeds of native plants that would be suited to a habitat of native frogs, for example, swamp lily, marsh flower and water snowflake would be suitable to plant in ponds, while native ginger, bird’s nest fern and mat rushes would suit the sides of the pond
Sources:
Moreton Bay Regional Council
Australian Museum
Frogs Australia Network
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