FrogWatch USA


FrogWatch USA is a program created by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

View "Certification"

Purpose of monitoring and what data shows
  • Describes local species diversity
  • Detect rare and invasive species
  • Suggests shifts in species diversity, range, and phenology over time
  • Serve as indicator of wetland health
  • Inform development of land management strategies
Guidelines for Monitoring
  • Conducted no earlier than 30 minutes after sunset
  • Able to listen to complete evaluation of site (cannot have any other external sounds)
  • Testing done above 35 degrees Fahrenheit
  • It is not too windy and not raining hard
Information recorded of site
  • Type of habitat: What kind of wetland is it
  • Origin of wetland: Is it natural, altered, human made or other factors
  • Sources or origin of water: Pond, lake, stream or other water source
  • Permanence of water
  • Use of land adjacent to wetland
  • Use of land within wetland
  • Latitude and longitude
What is monitored
  • Temperature: Current and past 48 hours
  • Wind speed
  • Precipitation last 48 hours
  • Species observed: See Ohio frog and toad specie list below
  • Specie's calling intensity
  • Any additional comments of survey
  • See data sheet below for more details
How I monitor

A survey form is completed that records site information such as site habitat, wetland origin, water presence (permanent, temporary, etc.…), water source and latitude/longitude. An observation datasheet is also completed that records weather conditions such as wind, temperature and precipitation. That last step on this form is information on the frogs or toads. This includes the actual surveying and is calculated by sound intensity. Any additional notes are also recorded on this form.

Sound intensity on a four point scale from no species heard to extreme intensity. I use audio files on my iPad to help me identify sounds present and perform surveys at various locations weekly from spring to fall. This information will be documented on the designated website for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.


Click to enlarge
Data Sheet Used
Frog ID Sheet
Breeding Season