To be a frog in Bundoora is to be a well looked after amphibian.
A team of dedicated conservationists from Melbourne Water is cleaning up the habitat of frog populations living alongside the Plenty River in Coulstock Gully.
Greg Bain, who is the waterways manager for the north east region, said introduced species of invasive weeds, such a blackberry, English broom and African boxthorn, often outcompete native vegetation, and strip away the natural food and shelter sources of native frogs and wetland birds.
“Invasive weeds reduce habitat for frogs as they (the frogs) are adapted to local native vegetation, such as Golden Wattle and Yellow Box,” he said.
His team is in the process of removing the weeds, which also provide shelter for feral pest animals, such as rabbits and foxes.
Once that’s done, the riverbed will be replanted with indigenous varieties, including Golden Wattle, Yellow Box and Swamp Gum.
These works are also expected to help protect the creek banks from erosion.
Weeding is expected to take until March, and new vegetation will be planted in autumn.
