A hop in the right direction: Launch of research partnership to celebrate World Frog Day!

The launch of a new research project coincided with World Frog Day on 20 March this year, with the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) and Stockland Aura partnering to better understand how to protect and restore habitat for the vulnerable Wallum Sedge Frog.

The two-year project includes a team of researchers from UniSC, including Dr Gabriel Conroy, Dr Beth Brunton, Dr Gareth Chalmers and Dr Ross Dwyer.

^{Leading frog habitat restoration expert, Dr Mark Bayley and Stockland Senior Development Manager, Mark Stephens}

Expanding conservation efforts

Across Stockland Aura, around 700 hectares of former pine plantation land is being rehabilitated for conservation, with more than 150 hectares specifically dedicated to protecting Acid Frog species. Over 150 custom-designed frog ponds have already been built – many now home to this important species, including the Wallum Sedge Frog. 

Stockland Senior Development Manager Mark Stephens said the research would build upon previous conservation efforts, which have successfully supported the breeding of species like the Wallum Sedge Frog.

“We have already seen great results from the work completed and this research will build on our understanding of the habitat characteristics of the threatened frog species and the factors influencing its survival,” Mark said.

“Frogs are often considered indicators of ecosystem health and understanding their needs can give us vital clues about the broader environmental issues affecting our landscapes. Through this research, we are helping to protect frogs while also contributing to a greater understanding of environmental impacts and how we can help to mitigate those effects.”

Dr Gabriel Conroy from UniSC said this project will conduct a thorough ecological study with climate models.

“This study will enable us to examine the potential impacts of rising temperatures, sea level rise and saltwater inundation determining the future of the Wallum Sedge Frog and how best to protect their safe havens in the future,” Gabriel said.  

“We will also focus on some key unknowns for the species, including a detailed look at water-cycles, groundwater systems, landform processes and how they interlink to form the very specific habitat niche required by this species.”

Renowned frog habitat restoration expert Dr Mark Bayley, who has worked closely with Stockland since 2012, said the research would provide invaluable insights into the conservation efforts conducted so far and greatly assist in the long-term conservation of the Wallum Sedge Frog. 

“The Wallum Sedge Frog is a rare frog with very unique habitat requirements – preferring to inhabit wetlands that are often dry during the winter months and fill with water only for select periods of time during the summer and autumn months of the year. It has been heartening to see our habitat restoration efforts working within the Aura community, with many of our artificial wetlands providing habitat for the Wallum Sedge Frog,” Mark said. 

“The collaboration with the University of the Sunshine Coast will provide invaluable data that will help to protect and restore habitat for these endangered frogs, as well as other native species affected by climate change.” 

More information on Stockland Aura’s commitment to sustainability can be found here.