Growling Grass Frog - Ecology and Behaviour

Ecology and Behaviour

This species is associated with large swamps, permanent dams, ponds and lakes (particularly ones with reeds) in woodland, shrubland, open and coastal areas.

This frog is an agile climber, but is most often found amongst dense reeds or along swampy grasslands. This frog hunts and basks in the sun during the day. There are reports that Growling Grass frogs will hunt other frogs by zoning in to the sound of their calls.

The call is a three part moaning "Craw-ork ar-ar", rising and then falling in tone. (described as the sound of a duck or goose being strangled).The males develop black rough nuptial pads on their thumbs during the breeding season, which occurs during spring through to late summer. The eggs (up to several thousand) are distributed in a loose pile. These frogs stay in tadpole stage for at least one year.

This frog is believed to be in decline across much of its range. In some regions it has disappeared altogether, however in others it remains locally abundant (such as parts of northern Victoria and the Riverland in South Australia, associated with the Murray River).