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

Hop to It - Irish Frog Survey Results

For release 9th January 1998

The first ever survey of the common frog organised by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council established that the amphibians were to be found in every county in Ireland. Records were collected from 900 schoolchildren from all over the country during 1997.

The results which have been published by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, provide a species profile of the common frog, it's breeding success, an outline of the threats to it's long term survival, and information on the mortality and life cycle of the species.

All over the world frog populations are struggling to survive. They are struck down with strange diseases and in some cases are being wiped out of entire areas. Scientists attribute 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 make them particularly susceptible to the absorption of harmful chemicals.

Dr Peter Foss, chairman of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council says "the drainage of wetlands, destruction of bogs and water pollution may be adversely affecting the species in some areas of Ireland."

Donegal schoolchildren led the field in responding to the survey but a great response came from counties Cork, Dublin, Galway, Wexford and Wicklow. The largest number of frog spawn emerged in Ballinacarrig, County Carlow where 415 clumps containing 83,000 eggs were located. The highest location in which frog spawn was found was at 450m above sea level in a ditch in County Wicklow. The lowest number of frog records came from County Clare. Garden ponds, farm ponds and bog pools were the most popular habitats for frogs.

The survey was the first of its kind to be conducted in Ireland and has been a great success. As well as providing some of the necessary information to devise a management plan for the species, the survey has encouraged people, in particular children, to take an interest in their environment and in conservation. It has helped make them more aware of the plight of the common frog and what they can do to help.

It is anticipated that in five years time IPCC will liaise with conservation groups on a joint Irish/UK Frog Survey where changes in habitats, distribution and breeding habits can be compared to the current data.

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

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. The IPCC can be contacted at: Capel Chambers, 119 Capel Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 01-872 2397. Registered Charity Number: CHY6829

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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