‘Hop To It’ in bid to help track frogs for IPCC survey in Limerick

THE people of Limerick are being encouraged to take part in a national citizen science campaign to help track one of Ireland’s most familiar but increasingly vulnerable wild animals, the common frog.
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) has been running Ireland’s longest running frog survey, the Hop To It initiative, since 1997. The nationwide survey invites members of the public to report sightings of frog spawn, tadpoles, froglets or adult frogs. These simple records play a crucial role in monitoring frog populations and understanding the health of the environments they depend on.

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Although well known, the common frog (Rana temporaria) is Ireland’s only native frog species and is listed as vulnerable across Europe. Frogs are considered important biological indicators because their skin is highly sensitive to pollution. Their presence or absence can reveal much about water quality and local environmental conditions. They are protected under both the EU Habitats Directive and the Irish Wildlife Act.
In 2025, only two frog records were submitted from County Limerick. This low number does not necessarily mean frogs are declining. However, it highlights how urgently more local information is needed.
Limerick City and County Council’s biodiversity officer, Sinead McDonnell, is encouraging everyone to get involved, saying: “We know frogs are out there in Limerick, but we need the public’s help to find them. Even a single sighting, whether it is frog spawn in a garden pond or a frog hopping across a path, can make a real difference. By taking part, people are helping us understand the health of local habitats and protect this much loved species for the future.”
The public are being urged that if they spot frog spawn, tadpoles, froglets or adult frogs to submit records directly to the IPCC at: www.ipcc.ie by email to bogs@ipcc.ie, by phone on 045 860133.
Records can also be submitted to the National Biodiversity Data Centre at records.biodiversityireland.ie
The IPCC works to conserve a representative sample of Irish peatlands for the benefit of people and wildlife.