The puddles are perfect habitat, and the breeding conditions are at an optimum.

One frog that has been seen in abundance is the Banjo Frog or Pobblebonk Frog Limnodynastes dummerilii - they are one of the few species to have benefited from human works and can be found in farm dams, ditches and suburban fish ponds.

However, the local National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) office is concerned that the native frog may be getting confused with the dreaded cane toad.

As yet there have been no reported cases of cane toads on the Tablelands, and park officers believe unidentified Pobblebonk Frogs are being killed due to a case of mistaken identity.

The frogs are distinguished by their call, a single banjo like ‘plonk’ or ‘bonk’ repeated at various intervals and often one frog calling will trigger several nearby frogs to call in rapid succession.

“Take care when you next get a surprise visit from a frog, chances you are seeing a great little native who is enjoying the puddles and ideal breeding conditions,” said Emily Ingram, senior ranger with NPWS.