Where are all of Wicklow’s frogs?

WICKLOW nature-lovers are asked to take part in a survey that seeks information on frog numbers in the Garden County and nationwide.

The all-Ireland ‘Hop To It Frog Survey’ was first launched in 1997 by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC), and proved a huge success, with records obtained from all over Ireland. To date, over 5,400 frog records have been databased by the IPCC for researchers and conservationists to use.

The common frog is the only species of frog found on the island of Ireland and is listed as an internationally important species. Frogs are protected under the European Union Habitats Directive and by the Irish Wildlife Act.

Talking about the survey’s importance, the IPCC’s campaign officer, Paula Farrell, said: ‘Frogs act as indicators, conveying the health of a habitat. They breathe through their skin in the water and, therefore, are sensitive to pollution. Their absence from an area where numbers were high in the past is very concerning.’

In the last 10 years, the IPCC have received only 95 records from Wicklow, despite the fact that the majority of frogs are found from 0 to 450 metres above sea level, making the Wicklow mountains an ideal location.

The survey asks members of the public to watch for the various stages of frogs’ lifecycle in their gardens and wider local community. If you have seen or find frog spawn, tadpoles, leggy tadpoles, froglets or adult frogs, you are encouraged to take part in the survey by visiting www.ipcc.ie.