Wildlife of Britain

Pool Frog: Britain’s Rarest Native Frog Explained The pool frog is one of the United Kingdom’s most fascinating amphibians.  Once declared extinct in Britain, this small but distinctive species has made a remarkable comeback through careful conservation work, habitat restoration and scientific reintroduction programmes. Although often overshadowed by the more familiar common frog, the pool frog represents an important part of Britain’s lost natural heritage. Its return to English wetlands is now regarded as one of the country’s most significant amphibian conservation successes. This guide explores the history, appearance, habitat, behaviour and conservation of the pool frog in the UK, along with why this elusive amphibian matters for British biodiversity. What Is a Pool Frog? The pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae) is a small species of water frog native to parts of continental Europe. It belongs to a group known as “green frogs,” which are characterised by their smooth skin, long legs...