Wildlife

Pool Frog Welfare: UK Native Status and Reintroduction

The pool frog was recently recognised as a native British species and declared extinct in England in the 1990s, with a reintroduction programme underway at Norfolk sites.

Key Facts

Now recognised as a distinct native British species separate from continental pool frogs
Declared extinct in England in the 1990s following habitat loss and drainage
Reintroduction of Swedish pool frogs began in 2005 at Pensthorpe Conservation Trust
Requires warm shallow ponds with abundant aquatic vegetation
Very loud calling male frogs can be heard hundreds of metres away

Welfare Considerations

Pool frog welfare in the reintroduction programme depends on pond habitat quality and freedom from predation. Establishing viable populations at restored wetland sites requires careful habitat preparation and management. The reintroduction is progressing but the species remains highly vulnerable and every breeding individual is precious.

What You Can Do

Support Natural England and Froglife pool frog reintroduction projects
Donate to habitat creation for pool frog reintroduction sites
Report any pool frog sightings in Norfolk to Froglife immediately
Advocate for pond restoration and creation as amphibian welfare measures
Appreciate pool frogs as recently rediscovered native species with a recovery story