"Did you know that over 50,000 frogs are accidentally transported around Australia each year in fruit and other produce?
These frogs are almost always transported to areas where they cannot survive or do not belong. Bananas are one of the favorite places for these accidental tourists to hitch a ride and as a consequence they are often collectively refered to as banana box frogs.
Unfortunately most people don't know what to do with these lost frogs and many are simply let go in the local area where they would usually die due to unsuitable conditions. Most state frog groups now run a rescue service for these lost frogs.
If you find one you can help it by contacting your local frog group who will advise you what to do. You may also like to ask your local fruiterer to keep an eye out for stray frogs.
For more information visit the Victorian Frog Group at www.frogs.org.au. In the meantime, keep your frog warm and give it some fresh water - it may also like to eat a live insect or two!"
By Gerry Marantelli, Amphibian Research Centre, Melbourne
