Marsh Frog (Pelophylax ridibundus)

OTHER NAMES: Lake Frog, Laughing Frog

Latin Etymology: Pelophylax (possibly "earth watcher") ridibundus ("laughing")

Two adult Marsh Frog (Pelophylax ribidundus - unknown subspecies) at Rainham Marshes, London - July 2011

Featured Subspecies: unknown
Weight: 14g  /  Length: 12-17cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

An introduced species, the Marsh Frog is normally resident in Europe, but has established itself in parts of the UK. They can be seen in various sites around the Thames, but I've personally only seen them at Rainham marshes. They are a bit bigger than our native frogs, and also a lot noisier - they produce a stereotypical frog like croak, and can sometimes be seen inflating their cheeks to do so.

Related Species: 
Order: Anura 
Family: Ranidae 
Genus: Pelophylax 
SUBSPECIES: unknown

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - Common resident of South-East England.

 - Seen at Oare Marshes and Rainham Marshes

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Pool Frog (Pelophylax lessonae)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Pelophylax ("mud sentinel") lessonae (named for Michele Lessona)

Adult male Pool Frog (subspecies ) at Great Pingo Trail, Norfolk - May 2024

Featured Subspecies: ?
Weight: g/kg  /  Length: 6-9cm
UK STATUS NOT EVALUATED/ IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A species with a perculiar history in the UK - a population was long found in "pingos" in Norfolk - ancient glacial potholes from the ice age now turned into a scarce but rich habitat. It was long believed that these had been an in introduced population, however after their national extinction in the 90's, evidence was found proving their indigenous status.  As such, a reintroduction scheme has taken place, restoring them back to their ancestral ponds. 

Related Species:
Order: Anura 
Family: Ranidae 
Genus: Pelophylax 
SUBSPECIES: ?

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - A rare and extremely localised reintroduced species, found at only 1 or 2 sites.
 - One seen on the Great Pingo Trail in May 2024

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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