RAUK - Archived Forum - Pool frogs to be reintroduced today

Does this technically make this frog now classed as Native since it was Native? or is it still classed as alien?  My thoughts would be native!

-Rob

The reason it is being introduced is that they are pretty sure that it probably is native - the closest we have to the native norfolk frogs are the ones from Sweden or the northern clade frogs

lets hope they establish themselves

JC

It depends on which definition of 'native' you use.

If you regard native as present before Britain was cut off by rising sea levels about 9,000 years ago and still present, then those frogs recently released can't be native individuals.

Though I think it is generally accepted that if a species becomes extinct and we reintroduce it, the status as a native species is valid.

Can we reintroduce bears and wolves next, I think they are cute

Can we reintroduce bears and wolves next, I think they are cute

Interestingly, under the terms of the Bern Convention which the UK is signatory to:-

"Consider the possibility of carrying out captive breeding and reintroduction programmes in areas where the species has been extinct or is endangered..."

And, under item H:

"...where the wolf has disappeared to support actively the conservation of this species, particularly by promoting public awareness, encouraging research in its present distribution area, studying reintroduction possibilities, and collaborating with the states where wolves survive."

Bearing in mind that the Wolf was common in the UK until only about 300 years ago ... well, we can live in hopes! I'd even let them eat the odd lizard or two in the wild! (ideally, the odd politician or two!)

back to the original question the Pool frogs that are reintroduced would be considered as 'native' - or at least they will recieve probably the same protection as other fully protected native amphibians

JC

In case you want to read more ...

Snell, C.; Tetteh, J.; Evans, I.H. (2005); Phylogeography of the pool frog (Rana lessonae Camerano) in Europe: evidence for native status in Great Britain and for an unusual postglacial colonization route. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 85: 41û51.

I have this paper.

English Nature have just released a new Research Report, # 642.

Pool frog Reintroduction Strategy

Copies can obtained from English Nature on 01733 455101

(If anyone can find a link to the pdf doc. please do post it up, I have a copy but not sure about the copyright issues of mounting the file on RAUK and making it avialable)

http://www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/publication/PDF/642.pd f

there you go

Personally i wouldn't consider the Pool frog exactly native if the main evidence did stem from as far back as when we were still land tied to continental europe. I mean, if that were the case then aren't we still talkin' Norfolk where fossil evidence was found?, a county which almost possibly even nearly 'missed the boat', so to speak! Oh well, a bit of waffle there, i know, & i'm still nevertheless glad with what they're attempting here with the species. Not sure it'll work though considering how just recently (last known specimen in 1990's, wasn't it?) it naturally struggled & lost out with existing here in Norfolk.

On Beavers?, well, with their more definate native existance here i'm sure they'll have considered everything & tried to do their homework properly first. I reckon we'd somehow cope with those again okay, as i reckon we would wolves too, in places suitable. I believe Wild Boars are known to still be on the loose, roaming in at least a few places, & i think i'd rather come across a few wolves (hardly even likely with they're amazing sense of smell of us) than bump into a mother Boar & her piglets! I'd be personally quite happy about bears as well, though not sure i'd feel quite keen on bumping into one, again especially a mother & cubs. On the whole i'd be well chuffed to see all these relatively recent natives back where they rightfully belong, although nowadays some islands would probably suit them best, thanks to us.    

In the current British Wildlife there is a summary of the European Beaver reintroduction progress.  It also lists the IUCN guidelines for reintroductions:

* the species must have been a former inhabitant of the country or region

* the causes of its extinction are known and no longer exist

* there is suitable habitat available

* the reintroduction should be monitored so that its success cans be assessed and protocols refined in the light of new information

I think the pool frog shceme satisifies all of these.

John Buckley (HCT) gave a talk on the project at the East Anglia Regional Meeting in November last year. The frogs were enclosed by an amphibian fence around the introduction pond - plenty of terrestrial habitat was provided for the frogs. The tadpoles which were released were found to have successfully metamorphosed later in the year.

Numbers of frogs seen during the year gradually depleted to no sightings which indicated that the animals went into hibernation away from the pond - it now all depends on what is seen this spring

JC