Pool Frog

The Pool Frog is extremely variable in colour although it is often olive-brown above with dark-brown blotches and a prominent yellow line running down the centre of the back and two, lightly coloured stripes that run down either side of the back. Pool Frogs from central and southern Europe are often green in colour. Pool Frogs differ in shape from the Common Frog, having a more pointed snout and they lack the dark patch behind the eye around the eardrum. During the breeding season, male Pool Frogs have a loud quacking call generated by a pair of inflatable pouches or vocal sacs each side of the mouth.

The Pool Frog was only recognised as a distinct species as recently as 1973. It can be found across much of central Europe as far north as Sweden and Norway and east to Russia. In the UK, the Pool Frog has only been recorded as possibly native from one site in Norfolk in recent years. There has been much speculation as to whether the Pool Frog was native to the UK or an introduced species. Whilst there have been documented introductions in the past, recent evidence strongly indicates the species was in fact native to some areas. Introduced Pool Frogs from central and southern Europe do occur at a few sites in England.

Date: 21st May 2013

Location: Biebrza area, Poland