A LOCAL conservation programme which aims to safeguard the future of one of Jersey’s only native amphibian species has been shortlisted for a national wildlife award.
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust was shortlisted for the Great British Wildlife Restoration Awards for its agile frog programme, which has been running for over 20 years.
Jersey is the only place in the British Isles with a population of agile frogs.
One of only three native amphibian species in Jersey, the agile frogs found on the Island are genetically different to other agile frogs due to their geographical separation from the populations in mainland Europe.
Conservation work to save the agile frog and safeguard the species’ future started in 2001.
Having steadily declined to just two locations on the Island by the 1980s, the species was reduced to just one breeding site following a pesticide spill in 1987.
The programme sees Durrell raise tadpoles in a bio-secure converted shipping container at Jersey Zoo to protect them during their most vulnerable stage, before releasing them back into Ouaisne, Noirmont, and Beauport ponds.
To date, Durrell has head-started over 75,000 tadpoles to metamorphosis and released them back into the wild.
Agile frog programme lead Emma Michel said: “Being shortlisted for our Jersey Agile Frog programme is amazing recognition for us.
“Due to biosecurity reasons, we take care of our agile frog tadpoles far away from our visitors, so the light rarely gets to shine on this project.
“As an organisation, Durrell puts a lot of work into the conservation of endangered species all around the world, but it is just as important to preserve the biodiversity on our doorstep.”
She added: “Our dedicated staff put a lot of time, passion and some frozen toes into it.
“Our motivation is to know that without this contribution, the species would have probably completely disappeared from Jersey by now.
“With a new species action plan agreed with our partners in 2024, we will keep developing the project to increase the population of this wonderful Jersey native frog.”
As a shortlisted project, Durrell will be invited to a special Great British Wildlife Restoration Awards evening at the House of the Speaker of the House of Commons in January.
Members of the UK Parliament will vote for the winning project.
