More than 1000 people have downloaded the free iSpy Frogs app since it was launched by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) three months ago.
More than 1000 people have downloaded the free iSpy Frogs app since it was launched by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) three months ago.
The app was developed in partnership with Museum Victoria and contains descriptions and sounds of 20 frogs found within the Goulburn Broken Catchment.
It also allows users to record where a frog was sighted. These sightings are then displayed on a map on the Goulburn Broken CMA’s website. To date 559 sightings of the featured frogs have been recorded on the map by 47 users, including a number of threatened growling grass frog and giant banjo frog species.
Goulburn Broken CMA Strategic River Health Co-ordinator Simon Casanelia said while the majority of users appeared to be Victorian based, the app had also been downloaded by people in a number of international locations including India and the US.
“People are generally very fond of frogs and they are a good indicator of environmental health so it’s great to see so many people downloading and using our app,” Mr Casanelia said.
“The app is another mechanism for the Goulburn Broken CMA to engage with the community and collect useful information about the distribution of the frogs and their habitat. This information, in turn, helps us with the planning and management of suitable habitat and conditions for the frogs.”
An iSpy Frogs field guide and A Guide to Reptiles and Frogs booklet have been developed to complement the app and copies of both are available at Goulburn Broken CMA offices.
Mr Casanelia said the Authority was keen to develop a suite of iSpy apps.
“Currently we’re looking at an app that will provide information on key native and introduced fish species,” he said. “It will include images, details on their biology and habitat, where you can fish and river access points. It will also allow people to record where they caught or sighted fish and then send photos of their catch.”
While the iSpy Frogs app is only available for Apple iPhone, iPod and iPad devices, the iSpy Fish app will be developed for Apple and Android devices, and should be available late 2013.
For more information about the iSpy Frogs app, visit /browse.aspx?ContainerID=ispy_catchment_creatures