Scientists call on Central Australians to help find elusive desert frogs

Detailed summary

Some desert frogs can spend years underground, emerging only after rain. Now scientists are asking Central Australians to help track them down.

Scientists are calling on Central Australians to record frog calls following recent storms, hoping to fill major gaps in knowledge about elusive desert species.

Residents can record frog calls using the FrogID app, including outside the official FrogID Week.

Researchers hope to uncover new locations for poorly understood desert species.

Central Australians are being asked to lend their ears to science as recent storms offer a chance to find elusive frogs.

The Australian Museum is calling on residents to record frog calls using its free FrogID app during FrogID Week, running until Sunday.

Among the most sought-after frogs are the Tanami toadlet and the desert spadefoot, which are burrowing frogs that can spend months and potentially years hidden underground.FrogID lead scientist Jodi Rowley said the central deserts were among Australia's most difficult places to study frogs.

"Some of the most poorly known frogs in Australia are from the central deserts or from really remote places throughout Australia," she said.

Many desert frogs emerge only after rain, when conditions are suitable for breeding.

Some burrowing frogs retreat more than 1 metre underground, conserving moisture in protective cocoons made from their own skin.

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