Citizen Science Project Uses Frog Calls to Map Distribution of Cryptic Australian Species

Researchers at the Australian Museum have utilized the FrogID citizen science project to clarify the distributions of visually similar Green Stream Frog species in eastern Australia. Dr. Jodi Rowley and Timothy Cutajar analyzed thousands of audio recordings submitted by volunteers through the app, which collects frog calls for identification. The data, gathered over approximately three years, provided more accurate records than traditional methods, revealing range extensions and previously unknown co-occurrence areas for species like the Green Stream Frog and Southern Green Stream Frog near Sydney. This approach aids conservation efforts by improving understanding of species ranges, crucial for land management and protecting declining populations.