Irish Frogs Need Your Help

Ireland has only one native frog species, the Common frog, Rana temporaria. It is listed as an internationally important species and is protected under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Irish Wildlife Act (1976, amended 2000).

Frogs play an important role in our lives; they are great pest controllers in our gardens and on farms by eating slugs, worms and flies, otters and herons rely on frogs to supplement their diets.

The Irish Wildlife Trust Cork Branch is conducting a survey in rural and urban areas of Cork to learn more about the distribution and preferred habitats of the Common frog. The surveying will start in the spring when frogs start to spawn. The surveys will continue to be undertaken through each stage of the frogs development and finishes in the Autumn when frogs have mated and rest up for the winter.

The Cork Branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust is asking for YOUR help. Volunteers are needed to assist with the survey. To find our more it is important to attend one of their training sessions in one of four locations: Fermoy, Bantry, Fota Wildlife Park and Millstreet. It is only necessary to attend one training session. The reason for choosing these four locations is that surveyors will work locally. This will help the Cork Branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust to obtain a better picture of frog distribution in the county. It is important for the surveyors to attend the sessions to understand all aspects of safe and correct surveying techniques. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each session plus there will be support for volunteers throughout the surveys.

This is an opportunity for surveyors to learn a new skill, meet like-minded people and take part in an important project. It is open for everyone. It is also free to attend. It is a fun event and the Cork Branch would like everyone who participates to enjoy the survey. Please note that parents must accompany young children throughout the survey process.

This survey is funded by Fota Wildlife Park and managed by the Cork Branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust.

Training sessions are listed below:

1.  Sunday 23rd Feb 3:00-5:30pm at Fota Wildlife Park, Carraigtwohill, County Cork.
2. Monday 24th Feb 6:30-8:00pm in Millstreet Enterprise Centre, The Square, Millstreet, Country
   Cork.
3. Monday 3rd March. Fermoy 7:00-8.30pm in Fermoy Community Resource Centre, 42 McCurtain St,
   Fermoy, County Cork.
4. Tuesday 4th March. 7:00-8.30pm in Bantry Resource Centre, Glengarrif Road, Bantry, County Cork.

To reserve a place or for further information contact: Email:corkfrogsurvey@yahoo.ie or ring Katriona on 0872106373.