Have you spotted any frogs in Banbridge?

They are asking residents to become a citizen scientists, helping to protect and monitor the important wetland amphibian - the frog - in their community.

The all Ireland Hop To It Frog Survey was first launched in 1997 by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC). The survey was 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.

Why is the Common Frog so important? The Common Frog (Rana temporaria) 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. Hence, why IPCC continue to monitor this animal throughout Ireland.

IPCC’s Campaign Officer, Paula Farrell says, “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, IPCC have received only six records from County Down. So, have all the frogs disappeared to?

IPCC are asking people here to Hop To It in 2020 and become a citizen scientist helping to protect and monitor this important wetland Amphibian in your community. This survey asks people to watch for the various stages of the frogs lifecycle in their gardens and wider local community. If you have seen or find frog spawn, tadpoles, leggy tadpoles, froglets or adult frogs in the Banbridge area then IPCC are encouraging you to take part in the Hop To It Frog Survey.

It is easy to get involved. Simply visit the website of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council at www.ipcc.ie and submit your frog record online by following the link.

If you would like further information why not contact the IPCC at [email protected]. The Irish Peatland Conservation Council, based at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in County Kildare, is a registered charity (CHY6829) that works towards the conservation of a representative sample of Irish peatlands for people to enjoy.

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