Proactive measures paying off for state’s frogs and toads

The public is asked to participate in the annual Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey, to help document frog and toad breeding calls throughout the state, this spring and summer. The Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey was formally launched in 1984, amid concerns about declining populations of several species of frogs.

Since then, citizen scientists have helped DNR conservation biologists better define the distribution, status and population trends, of all 12 frog and toad species in Wisconsin.

Volunteers can participate in three ways. Traditional Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey – This option requires volunteers to drive along a pre-set route, for three nights of survey effort, once each in early spring, late spring and early summer. Volunteers make 10 stops, per night, listening for five minutes, at each site, documenting the species heard calling and the relative abundance of each species.

Mink Frog Survey – Mink frogs are only found in northern Wisconsin, and often call in the daytime. In June and July, volunteers are recruited to listen in the Northwoods, once during the day, and once at night, along routes targeting ideal mink frog breeding habitat.

Phenology Survey – Volunteers for this survey help monitor when frogs and toads first start calling each spring. Phenology volunteers choose one wetland to monitor throughout the frog calling season, and record data as often as possible, for five minutes, per night.

Dates for each survey vary, and some are dependent on the changing seasons. Volunteers will receive more details on timing, after contacting the survey teams.

Volunteers are currently documenting the highest levels of American bullfrogs and Blanchard’s cricket frogs since the survey began, an encouraging sign that proactive conservation measures for these two species are likely paying off. Volunteers are also contributing substantial knowledge into the unique calling patterns and distribution of mink frogs throughout the Northwoods.

“Our froggers have also really become advocates for frogs and toads,” said Andrew Badje, the DNR conservation biologist who coordinates the DNR’s Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey. “Our volunteers are the beating heart of frog monitoring and conservation in Wisconsin.”

For more opportunities to get involved, visit dnr.wisconsin. gov.