Frogid Week 2024 Leaps Into Action To Save Our Frogs

Sydney, Thursday, 7 November 2024: The Australian Museum (AM) will again lead the nation's largest frog count during the seventh annual FrogID Week, from 8 November to 17 November. One of Australia’s biggest citizen science projects, FrogID has recorded more than 1.1 million records through the free app, which has become a vital resource for scientific research, conservation efforts and has assisted in the discovery of new species and, importantly, aims to help save our frogs.

Dr Jodi Rowley, Australian Museum Lead Scientist for FrogID and Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology at the Australian Museum, said FrogID Week’s growing momentum highlights how citizen science can assist a greater understanding of biodiversity responses to climate change.

“This year, FrogID Week 2024 aims to gather at least 15,000 new verified frog calls and expand the geographical spread of frog records from 38 per cent to more than 40 per cent of Australia, with a long-term goal of covering 50 per cent of Australia by 2027,” Dr Rowley said.

Since its inception, FrogID has been instrumental in enhancing frog conservation efforts across Australia, contributing findings to research papers, aiding the discovery of new species, and helping to inform the conservation assessments of frog species under Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Kim McKay AO, Director and CEO of the Australian Museum, said the FrogID project has delivered critical information about Australian frogs and connected Australians to citizen science and their environment.

“The public’s efforts ensured FrogID was able to record its millionth frog call in February, and this success demonstrates that thousands of Australians are invested in the care and conservation of our frogs,” Ms McKay said.

According to Dr Rowley, frogs are “among the most threatened animals on the planet, frogs are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, and indicators of environmental health. By monitoring our frog populations, not only can we gather the information we need to help better understand and conserve frogs, but we can understand the very health of our environment.”

“Each year, FrogID Week builds on previous the data it has gathered, contributing to ground-breaking research and providing invaluable results that helps better understand and conserve these vital species. Every recording captured on FrogID counts!”

About FrogID

FrogID is Australia’s national frog count. It’s a scientific rescue mission that everyone can be involved in, any time of year. The multi-year citizen science project is led by the Australian Museum Centre for Citizen Science, which encourages the public to make a meaningful contribution to our scientific understanding of the world. The free FrogID app was initially developed in partnership with IBM in 2017. The app enables anyone with a smartphone to record different frog species by the unique sounds they make. These recordings provide data on the health of Australia’s frog populations and identify species that are at risk, to assist and inform conservation efforts. FrogID received funding from the Australian Government under the Citizen Science Grants element of the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Programme between 2017-2020. The Australian Museum in Sydney NSW is leading FrogID in partnership with natural science museums in NT, QLD, SA, TAS, and WA. NSW Government proudly supports FrogID in 2022-23, including the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Department of Planning and Environment - Water, and Saving our Species.

About the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation’s first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. The AM’s mission is to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change. The AM’s vision is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. The AM commits to transforming the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; to being a strong advocate for First Nations cultures; and to continuing to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs. With 22 million objects and specimens and the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM is not only a dynamic source of reliable scientific information on some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing our region, but also an important site of cultural exchange and learning.

Media Enquiries:

Lachlan Camilleri, Communications Advisor, Original Spin
E lachlan@originalspin.com.au
T 0426 744 063