Feel for frogs

BACKYARD Buddies is urging Casey residents to make their yards frog friendly.
Backyard Buddies is a free program run by Australia’s Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.
Frog numbers have increased since the rain and floods this summer.
Foundation CEO Leonie Gale is encouraging Casey residents to help out native frogs.
“Frogs are quick to move into areas that have experienced heavy rains and will be around soon after floods subside. During March, tadpoles will be growing legs and leaving their puddles and ponds,” he said. “Frogs are great to have in backyards as they eat up spiders, mosquitoes, flies and other insects. Some frogs can even eat snakes. Frogs in the garden are a sign that the environment is healthy.
“You can also help out these amazing creatures by not using chemicals or pesticides in your garden, as frogs absorb air and water through their skin. Keep pets away from areas where frogs live, and leave leaf litter and rocks around your garden for them to shelter amongst.”
You can get a monthly Backyard Buddies email, or B-mail, with tips to make your backyard inviting and safe for native animals. Get a free frog pond fact sheet and become a Buddy at www.backyardbuddies.net.au. Share your photos of frogs and other native animals on www.facebook.com/backyardbuddies for a chance to win a copy of A Field Guide to Frogs of Australia.