Cape York Herpetological Society
Frogs of north Queensland
This page is dedicated to our frogs, the often overlooked animals of herpetolgy. Frogs are in danger - we have already lost at least two species from the wet tropics and many of our rainforest frogs are endangered.
The current Cape York Herpetological Society grew out of a merger with the Tablelands Frog Club - history of the club is presented below and newsletters from the club are presented on our Publications page.
There is more information to be found about frogs on our Links page
History of the Tablelands Frog Club
The Tablelands Frog Club was formed in January 1995 in Yungaburra by a group of people who were aware of diminishing numbers of frogs in all areas and who were keen to learn more about the species in general. From the outset guidance was available from experts in the field. At that time public interest was strong and the Club grew rapidly. Frog enthuiasts joined from as far afield as Adelaide in the south to Weipa in the north. The pooling of Club members’ expertise in various related fields helped the Club to become established and recognised within the community. Membership numbers reached 94 within the first year. On November 1 ,1995, the club became incorporated under the Queensland Associations Incorporation Act 1981.
The stated aims of the club were:
To conserve and encourage the preservation of frogs
To encourage children’s interest in frogs
The Club helped to achieve a better undrstanding of these much overlooked animals by addressing the many problems which threaten the livelihood of these vulnerable creatures by improving knowledge of their habits and habitat, by enhancing their environment and by educating children and the public at large to these issues.
The Club maintained an information database of frog distribution, provided guidance and knowledge on how to protect and create friendly frog environments and how to set up breeding programmes for common species in the garden.
The TFC met once a month with professional guest speakers and relevant presentations and conducted workshops and field trips with professional guidance. Members were encouraged to participate in general discussion and to introduce items of interest.
The Croaker, the Club’s newsletter, contained scientific information , contributions from both adult and junior members and general business of the Club