A unique opportunity has been presented for SSAA members who want to aid in the protection of the critically endangered Alpine Tree Frog.
The frog population around Mt Bullfight Nature Conservation Reserve requires protection from Amphibian Chytrid Fungus (also known as Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis), which causes the disease responsible for world-wide declines in frog populations.
In 2009 a population of the Alpine Tree Frog was first discovered in bogs at Mt Bullfight, which was an encouraging sign in the face of significant population declines across its known distribution areas.
The most encouraging discovery was that the new population was free of the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus, which causes the deadly disease chytridiomycosis.
Tests on the population in late 2013 indicated that the pathogen was present at the lower bog, with two of 40 Alpine Tree Frogs swabbed returning a positive result.
However, two wildlife officials recently reported that one of the critical top bogs on the Mt Bullfight plateau was being destroyed by wallowing and trampling Sambar deer.
Sambar could carry Chytrid Fungus by wallowing in an infected water body and potentially transferring mud from one site to another. The trampling and wallowing could also destroy the habitat that Alpine Tree Frogs need to survive.
To protect the frog Parks Victoria is erecting a deer exclusion fence (60m x 20m) around the critically endangered Alpine Tree Frog habitat at Mt Bullfight, near Snobs Creek.
SSAA Victoria is calling for expressions of interest from members who want to be involved in the one-off project.
The project is likely to go ahead on Saturday, April 9, in order to erect the fences before most stags begin wallowing again. Those involved would meet at Snobs Creek at 7.30am, work until 3pm and be back at Snobs Creek by 5pm.
The bogs are around 70 minutes up a spur to the plateau so 800kg of materials and tools will be flown in to the site. Strict hygiene protocols will be followed and all participants’ gear will be washed down afterwards.
Anyone interested in taking part in the project should contact SSAA Victoria CPM Manager Rhys Coote on rhys.coote@ssaavic.com.au or 8892 2777.