Abstract | Time lapse and concrete pipes: some surprises from two years of frog pipe monitoring

Monitoring of road crossing structures targeting terrestrial wildlife has largely focused on use of box culverts. Little is known about wildlife use of concrete pipes to cross road corridors.

We discuss results of camera monitoring of two dedicated concrete pipes installed above a creek line which aimed to re-connect a population of the giant barred frog (Mixophyes iteratus), a species listed as endangered in Australia. Despite few records of crossings by giant barred frog, a further six frog species, nine reptile species and 14 mammal species were confirmed making crossings during two 6-month monitoring periods (spring – autumn).

In total, 311 definite crossings, 404 probable crossings and 341 possible crossings were recorded during the two years of monitoring.

The use of camera traps set to time lapse was instrumental in detecting so many crossing events, particularly of species that often evade camera trap detection. Series of time lapse photographs also enabled detection of ‘disturbance trails’ which assisted in confirming crossings.

Our results suggest that concrete pipes should be more readily considered in road upgrade mitigation.

Bio | Brendan Taylor

Brendan is a Senior Ecologist at Sandpiper Ecological and has over 10 years’ experience in ecological survey and management in south-east Queensland and northern NSW. Brendan has developed particular expertise in investigating and managing the biodiversity impacts associated with linear infrastructure. Prior to joining Sandpiper Ecological, Brendan was as a research fellow at Southern Cross University.