They’re everywhere, and they’re as charming as all get out. The frogs of Balranald. From the cheery chap sitting on a bench to greet you at the Discovery centre, to the amphibian leaping to catch the ball, clad in a Balranald Roos jumper at Greenham Park.

There’s also a hardworking green creature holding a shovel at Balranald Shire Council, and so many more.

When you call into the Discovery centre to say hi to the welcoming frog, pop your head in to see the awesome staff, and pick up some frog merchandise, everything frog like is there – you will be astounded.

These cute frogs call attention to an endangered species of frog.

The Endangered Southern Bell Frog, also known as the Growling Grass Frog because of its signature growl, generally takes residence in the semi-permanent wetlands in south eastern Australia and is also been spied in the Balranald Shire wetlands. 

The Distribution of the Growling Grass Frog in NSW is now restricted to a few areas along the Murrumbidgee River and lower Murrumbidgee Flood Plain around Balranald.

The flood plain has large areas of high-quality River Red Gums and Black Box swamps which, when conditions are right, are regularly flooded.

These areas are potentially good frog habitats.

This has been reflected in the apparent high numbers of the Barking Frog and other species identified in the Balranald district of late.

Being aware of local frog numbers that appear to counter trends elsewhere, local businesses and the Balranald Council are promoting this unique frog situation.

They are being good advocates, promoting awareness of this amphibian which unfortunately now owns a listing on the NSW Endangered Species List.

The frog is bright green in colour with splotches of gold, bronze and black along its back and bright turquoise on the back of its thighs and changes colour rapidly when subject to heat or bright lights often turning dark brown during the day.

Sadly, the Southern Bell has vanished from more than half of its former range over the past 20 years. Scientists aren’t certain what caused the vanishing act, but disease, habitat loss, farm chemicals and the threat of exotic species are likely catalysts.