Animal Census
HBWC Citizen Science participates in several local census programs.
Frog Census - Australian Museum
Annually in November
The Australian Museum’s annual Frog ID week is held each November. Participants use the FrogID app to record frog calls. By matching recorded calls to weather and habitat, scientists are able to learn how frog species are responding to the environment, including which are flourishing and which are declining. FrogID data can aid the mapping and conservation of Australian frog populations.
Information on how to use the FrogID app is available here:
Altona Skipper Butterfly Survey - Hobsons Bay Council Rangers
Biannual: April and October
HBWC Citizen Science team participates in this Hobsons Bay City Council initiative, which surveys Altona Skipper Butterflyhabitat in the Hobsons Bay area.
The Altona Skipper Butterfly (Hesperilla flavescens flavescens) is endemic to the western coastal suburbs of Melbourne, and particularly Hobsons Bay. Once close to extinction, thelarvae of Altona skipper butterfly relies on a single species of plant, the Chaffey Saw Sedge. A recent successful planting program has created a wildlife corridor for the Skipper along the coast.
This survey provides critical data on the status of the population.
Bird Surveys - Cheetham Altona KBA - Quarterly
Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre was appointed the Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) Guardian for Cheetham and Altona KBA in 2020. Many members of the Citizen Science team participate in quarterly bird counts, to support HBWC’s role as guardian.
More information on local birdlife and the KBA are available here.
