Trust recognised for conservation work to save frogs

Jersey Trust Recognised for Lifesaving Work to Protect Rare Frog

A conservation charity in Jersey has been shortlisted for a national wildlife award for its long-running efforts to save one of Britain’s rarest amphibians — the agile frog.

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust began its work to protect the species in 2001 and has now been named among the finalists at the Great British Wildlife Restoration Awards.

The agile frog, found in the wild only on Jersey, suffered a dramatic decline during the late 20th century. By the 1980s, populations had shrunk to just two known locations on the island. A pesticide spill later reduced that to a single breeding site, putting the species on the brink of extinction.

“Without this contribution, the species would have probably completely disappeared from Jersey by now,

“Without this contribution, the species would have probably completely disappeared from Jersey by now,” said Emma Michel, from the trust.

Durrell has since worked to rebuild frog numbers by breeding and releasing thousands of tadpoles each year. The charity’s team rears the young frogs in a bio-secure, converted shipping container at Jersey Zoo — a measure that helps protect them through their most vulnerable early stages before they are released into ponds at Ouaisné, Noirmont, and Beauport.

So far, more than 75,000 tadpoles have been successfully raised and released.

The trust noted that Jersey’s agile frogs are genetically distinct from mainland European populations, making their conservation especially significant.

The Great British Wildlife Restoration Awards aim to highlight projects working to halt the decline of native species and to urge political leaders to take stronger action for nature.

Durrell is one of 27 shortlisted organisations, with the overall winner to be announced in January.

Ms Michel said the nomination recognises not only the trust’s global conservation work but also its commitment to protecting wildlife close to home.

“As an organisation, Durrell puts a lot of effort into conserving endangered species worldwide,” she said. “But it’s just as important to protect the biodiversity right on our doorstep. With a new species action plan agreed this year, we’ll continue working with our partners to strengthen Jersey’s population of this remarkable native frog.”