For the past 13 years, the Frog Decline Reversal (FDR) Project has been running the country's first amphibian rescue setup known as the Cairns Frog Hospital.   

Since the group started up, many issues have come to light as to why frogs in this region are in decline.  

"Sick frogs are an instant beacon to larger problems in the environment so their rescue is actually quite valuable for the information it provides as well as saving the individual," said Deborah Pergolotti, Curator of the Cairns Frog Hospital.

"Make no mistake, the famous chytrid fungus is not responsible for frog losses along the FNQ coastal plain.

"Many other factors are involved especially changes to soil health, chemical use, and parasites originating in dogs and cats."  

The group has always functioned almost entirely on public donations which are under pressure from tough economic conditions.  

"Lots of folks love frogs but don't necessarily recognise the importance of the group's work to uncover hidden threats to their sustainability," Ms Pergolotti said.  

"Trying to recover frogs from the extensive health problems they have is hard enough, but it is also disappointing when there isn't enough support to cover the bills."  

While donations have been declining, the group's work has received some formal accolades.  The Founding President has received the the Federal Government's Centenary Medal, a Cassowary Award and honorable mentions from the Altruism Foundation and the Australian Conservation Foundation.

The FDR Project and its frog hospital activity are keen to find a home in the old Douglas Shire. Frog rescue is a noble effort, but finding an acreage site where some frog breeding activity can take place is very necessary for the future of frogs.  

"The parasite levels in the existing wild population are so severe, it is likely these populations won't be able to survive all that much longer."  

Ms Pergolotti said that breeding new populations of frogs that are parasite-free is a big step in the right direction as these animals would have better immune systems to try to cope with all the other threats.  

It is also very important that the public comes to understand that chemicals (such as pesticides and herbicides) are detrimental to frogs directly but also they effect soil health which in turn increases diseases.

The group has been looking for suitable property for over a year with no luck.  

A chemical-free premises with ADSL are two of the requirements for the Frog Hospital. A heavily treed property with a creekline would be also ideal. 

There are some other requirements so if you are a home owner looking for a responsible long-term tenant who is helping the environment at the same time, it is worth having a chat to Deborah.  

"The FDR Project is a tax deductable organisation as well and this might be a plus for someone looking to reduce their tax burden even if they don't have a property available for the group," she said.

If you can help, please contact the FDR Project on (07) 4045 0373 after 12 noon, email curator@fdrproject.org.au, or visit their website.