P r e s s R e l e a s e

Hop to It! - Irish Frog Survey

For immediate release 8 February 1997

Frogs are interesting, important creatures, displaying a wide variety of characteristics, but they are also unwilling barometers of environmental health.

All over the world frog populations are struggling to survive. They are struck down with strange diseases, and in some cases they are being wiped out from an entire area. Scientists are attributing these changes to acid rain, climatic changes, and changes in water quality and in some countries increased solar radiation caused by changes in the atmosphere. The creatures permeable skin makes it particularly susceptible to the absorption of harmful chemicals.

In Ireland there is no information available on frogs, their habitats and breeding success.

The Hop to It Frog Survey is the brainchild of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council and is sponsored by Bord na Móna.

Every school in the country is being sent a Hop to It Frog Survey pack this month. Young people are being asked to look out for frogspawn, tadpoles and frogs in a pond or pool near them.

As Dr. Peter Foss, Director of IPCC explains "In Ireland, we need baseline information on frog populations, including data on where they occur, the habitats they use, when they start breeding and their breeding success to help ensure their protection in the future. The pack provides an opportunity for student researchers and members of the public to make a real contribution to the first ever national survey of frogs".

The Hop to It Frog Survey pack contains: a set of tear-off postcards for pupils to record information on frog breeding patterns, instructions, a Frog Fact File, and a Leap Frog game which gives insights into the challenges in a frog's lifecycle.

To get your free copy of the Hop to It! Frog Survey pack please E-mail us at
bogs@ipcc.ie

During the year visit IPCC's Frog Hopline web pages on the world wide web at www.ipcc.ie where you will find up to date survey findings and results, in addition to lots more useful information on frogs, their biology, their habitats around the world and suggested crafty ideas with a frog theme. You can also print off extra copies of Frog Log Survey cards from the web pages.

This project is sponsored by Bord na Móna and supported by The Department of Education, Flogas Ireland, FAS Community Employment and The Marsh Christian Trust.

EDITOR'S NOTE 1: The Irish Peatland Conservation Council is a national charity and is entirely supported by voluntary contributions. Conservation projects include: purchasing bogland nature reserves, providing resources and training for teachers and education groups, repairing damaged bogs, fostering a positive attitude towards bogs, and encouraging lifestyles in harmony with the environment.

EDITOR'S NOTE 2: The Irish Peatland Conservation Council gratefully acknowledges Indigo who have sponsored our pages on the World Wide Web.

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