Special protection for frog with 'northern accent'
By Paul Eccleston
Last Updated: 12:01am BST 18/08/2008
A rare species of frog that croaks with a "northern accent" is to be given special protection.
A pool frog species, with a 'northern accent' is to be given special protection
The pool frog is known to have existed in England for at least 3,000 years and pool frog bones have turned up during digs at Saxon sites in East Anglia.
But because of habitat loss and other pressures the species dwindled to one site in Norfolk. It was presumed extinct at the site in 1995 and the last remaining frog died in captivity in 1999.
Conservationists set about planning its return. Research confirmed that it was a northern European type of pool frog also found in Sweden and Norway. It has been found to have a distinctive croak, similar to a regional accent.
After an ideal wetland habitat was created at a secret location in Norfolk several organisations, including Natural England and the Herpetological Conservation Trust, collected 50 adults and juveniles and 100 tadpoles. These were released into ponds in 2005 and have quickly adapted to their new homes. They have bred sufficiently to create a viable population. The Government has agreed to give them legal protection.
From October they will be covered by the 1994 EU Habitats Regulations, which make it illegal for them to be killed, owned or sold and protects their breeding sites.
