Where are all the frogs in Leitrim? Public asked to help keep a look out

Are there any Frogs in County Leitrim? Leitrim County Council’s Biodiversity Officer is seeking support from members of the public to record sightings of the Common Frog across County Leitrim. 

Many people in Ireland carry vivid memories of early childhood encounters with frogs; whether because of an unexpected hop that was too close for comfort, or the surround-sound croaking emanating from a pond during the breeding season, or perhaps because of the disappointment of a hasty kiss not producing a prince (the latter activity is not recommended on health and safety grounds)!

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Such encounters, although often personally exciting, educational and potentially formative regarding developing a connection with the natural world, may seem incidental in the broader scheme of things. However, we now know that these individual encounters can contribute to so much more.

By capturing small pieces of information, many people together can create powerful datasets that help scientists understand the environment, track changes over time, and support better decision-making for nature and biodiversity. This is why Leitrim County Council, in partnership with the Irish Peatlands Conservation Council, is seeking the public’s help to paint a clearer picture of how Frogs are faring across the county. 

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Since 1997 the Irish Peatland Conservation Council has coordinated Ireland’s longest running frog survey, the ‘Hop to It’ frog survey. This is a citizen science initiative that asks members of the public to record and submit their observations of the various stages of the common frog lifecycle.  You might be wondering why?  While easily recognised and well known, the common frog is Ireland’s only frog species and despite its name the common frog (Rana temporaria) is listed as a vulnerable species across Europe.  

To help protect the populations of the common frog in Europe and at home, today the common frog is a legally protected species under the European Union Habitats Directive and the Irish Wildlife Act.   Did you know that the common frog is also considered a biological indicator of environmental health?  Their smooth moist skin is very sensitive to pollution and the presence or absence of frogs in an area can tell us a lot about our environment.  

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Annually monitoring the distribution and population of the Common Frog across Ireland supports our national efforts to protect the common frog and understand our local environment quality. The Irish Peatland Conservation Council need your help in 2026 as there have only been small numbers of records received from County Leitrim to date.

Does that mean that the population of County Leitrim common frog is declining? Hopefully not! This is why the Irish Peatland Conservation Council are asking you to become a citizen scientist and take part in the ‘Hop To It’ Frog survey this year.  If you are out and about and observe one of the various stages of the common frog’s lifecycle including frog spawn, tadpoles, froglets or adult frogs in your garden or wider local community please submit your observation to the Irish Peatland Conservation Council  at www.ipcc.ie or e- mail bogs@ipcc.ie or call 045-860133.