Leap to it - download the latest Frog Census app

The latest and most innovative version of an app to monitor Melbourne’s frogs is now available.

The Frog Census App is not only fun, it plays an important role in helping Melbourne Water capture frog data at local creeks, rivers and wetlands. This information is then used in conservation efforts to protect frog populations.

Melbourne Water Waterwatch Coordinator James Frazer said more than 10,000 avid frog monitors or “froggers” have downloaded the app since it was launched almost six years ago.

“The app took citizen science to a new level, delivering a simpler, smarter and more accurate way for the community to get involved and monitor frog populations,” Mr Frazer said.

“Frogs play an important role in the waterway ecosystem and are easily affected by changes to their environment. The information captured from the app helps inform Melbourne Water’s planning and decisions on waterway health for the future.

“The community is an integral part of this work.”

The latest version of the Frog Census App has additional features, some initiated by feedback from froggers. Updates include:

• A gamified reward and recognition system called ‘Frogger Points’ to reward how accurately users identify a species when they submit their recording.
• A dark setting, as the bright white screen could be difficult to use at night when out searching for frogs.
• More information via graphics, videos and 3D models.
• A subscribe via email and join our Facebook page function, connecting users to the wider Melbourne Water Frog Census Group.
• The capability for Melbourne Water to send push notifications to communicate to app users.

The information collected from the app is publicly available for students, teachers, agencies, and researchers to use, and is also shared with Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP), Victorian Biodiversity Atlas and Atlas of Living Australia as part of the shared biodiversity knowledge about endangered species.

The updated Frog Census app is available for update or download on the App Store and Google Play. Download for iOS // Download for Android

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