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To help save England’s frogs, toads and newts, amateur amphibian aficionados from across the country are being trained to track a potentially deadly disease that could have a devastating effect on amphibians.

A pioneering project launched at the weekend by Natural England, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the Herpetological Conservation Trust enlisted scores of volunteers to help assess the potential impact of this disease.

Around 170 keen volunteers were trained in Coventry and more will follow in the coming months. The project galvanises action on this newly discovered fungal disease, which has already been found in a few ponds in Cumbria and Kent.

“After hearing about the population crashes in Australia, finding the fungus here was obviously grim news,” said Jim Foster, amphibian specialist at Natural England.

“But people should not panic. Some amphibians can cope with the fungus, and right now it’s not clear what this really means for frogs, toads and newts in England. That’s why we need help from volunteer frog surveyors” concluded Mr Foster. The project is the first of its kind in Europe.

Frog specialists in other parts of the world have been saddened to see their amphibians disappear after infection by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which causes the disease chytridiomycosis. But scientists here need to know whether the disease is more widespread, and whether it is actually having an impact on our amphibians.

The Herpetological Conservation Trust’s John Baker, who will be training volunteers, said “England’s dedicated frog watchers are the front-line in discovering more about the disease. This spring we will be giving special instructions in dealing with the disease, alongside our training on amphibian surveys.”

Volunteers will take harmless samples, which will then be submitted to experts.

“It’s impossible to tell if a frog is infected just by looking at it, but this is where recent research comes in. Thanks to a special laboratory technique that amplifies tiny fragments of DNA, we can detect the fungus from a skin swab,” explained Eddie Brede at the Zoological Society of London. “By the end of the year we’ll have a much clearer idea of status of the fungus in England.”

Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, said: “The natterjack toad is found at only around 50 sites in England, having declined by around 80% in the last century. A disease like this could have serious effects on an already threatened species and it is only with the help of willing volunteers that this potentially fatal disease can be tracked and eradicated.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the project and the fungus should visit www.zsl.org/ukchytrid and www.naturalengland.org.uk

For more on amphibians in gardens see Natural England’s booklet Amphibians in your garden: your questions answered 1 mb

• Amphibian fungal disease: Natural England information note (February 2008) 27 kb

Notes for editors:

For interviews and photographs of the natterjack toad, common frogs, toads, tadpoles and volunteers carrying out swab tests please contact the Natural England press office on 0845 603 9953, out of hours 07970 098005 or email: press.office@naturalengland.org.uk For background information on the disease visit www.naturalengland.org.uk

1. The project to track down the frog fungus was launched at the Herpetofauna Worker’s Meeting in Coventry last weekend. The project is a joint initiative between Natural England and ZSL. Other organisations assisting with the project include The Herpetological Conservation Trust and the Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK. The project will involve a nationwide survey, targeted research in areas where the fungus has been found, and developing advice on precautions for amphibian workers. So far the fungus has been found at six sites in Cumbria and two in Kent, though to date the amphibians there are persisting. For more information on the project, see: www.zsl.org/ukchytrid
2. Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity: our key role is the conservation of animals and their habitats. The Society runs ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, carries out scientific research in the Institute of Zoology and is actively involved in field conservation in other countries worldwide. For further information please visit www.zsl.org
3. The Herpetological Conservation Trust is the UK’s leading non-governmental organisation concerned with the policy and practical conservation of native amphibians and reptiles. It manages reserves for rare species and coordinate monitoring programmes. It works closely with government bodies and the voluntary sector. Website: www.herpconstrust.org.uk
4. The Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK are a network of locally based volunteers concerned with the conservation of native amphibians and reptiles. Website: www.arguk.org
5. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. Website: www.naturalengland.org.uk