Illegal frog move endangers vulnerable species

The Conservation Regulator is appealing for information as it investigates the suspected illegal capture and relocation of more than 100 growling grass frogs, after the threatened species was found at a reserve in Melbourne’s south-east.

An investigation began last year when the Conservation Regulator received reports of the frogs appearing at the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve in Brighton, a site where this species had not previously been recorded.

A series of surveys were conducted and confirmed the presence of growling grass frogs. A quarter of the surveyed population had injuries consistent with poor human handling.

It is believed the frogs had been unlawfully taken from wetlands near Werribee and Caroline Springs.

Growling grass frogs are listed as ‘vulnerable’ in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Their numbers are partly threatened by the chytrid fungus which is deadly to the species, and present at the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve.

Under the Wildlife Act 1975, taking a threatened species from the wild without a permit is a crime. Penalties include a fine of up to $48,842 and two years in prison.

Any illegal translocation of wildlife poses biosecurity and animal welfare risks, but for a threatened species, it can also severely impact the sustainability of vulnerable source populations.

To legally move threatened wildlife, a scientific research or management permit is required from the Conservation Regulator.

Investigators are calling for any suspicious sightings or details about the illegal translocations that may have occurred between October 2024 and January 2025.

Based on the scale of the operation required, it’s believed several people were involved, with the unauthorised activities likely to have taken place between late evening and early morning on multiple dates.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or reports can be made anonymously.

Quotes attributable to Senior Forest and Wildlife Officer Jackson Bull:

"While it’s unlawful in Victoria to take any wildlife from the wild without a permit, the capture and relocation of a threatened species is a more serious offence."

"The removal of breeding adults from a source population of growling grass frogs can have detrimental impacts on that source population."

"Only trained specialists with authorisation can move wildlife, as without proper handling and transport conditions, animals can be easily injured or stressed."

Quote attributable to Chief Executive of Crime Stoppers Victoria Stella Smith:

"If you know anything about these incidents or suspect other wildlife crime, you can tell Crime Stoppers what you know, anonymously, online or call us on 1800 333 000."