Amphibian Activity in 2017 With The HSI

The HSI has emerged for our winter brumation and hit ground running in 2017. In early February our science officers attended the annual herpetofauna workers meeting in Nottingham where they got to exchange ideas and experiences with conservation organisations, ecological consultants, statutory bodies, land managers, academic institutions, students, and enthusiastic volunteers. Plenty of fresh new … More Amphibian Activity in 2017 With The HSI

Update on ASA campaign to save the Quito Rocket Frog

  We are proud to have contributed towards efforts to save an entire species – the Quito Rocket Frog – by adopting some tadpoles! We adopted Villico, Ultio, Timbul, Pimbalo, Jimbirico and Guilli. This critically endangered species is threatened by the potentially imminent eruption of Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador. The fundraising campaign was launched by our partners, … More Update on ASA campaign to save the Quito Rocket Frog

Amphibian-Killing Fungus Found In Madagascar

The amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) has been found in some populations of Malagasy amphibians. The fungus is responsible for the disease Chytridiomycosis, which has devastated amphibian populations worldwide. Madagascar was thought to be a safe haven from the disease, which makes the news especially disheartening for conservationists. The outbreak was documented in a recent report published in … More Amphibian-Killing Fungus Found In Madagascar

HSI Project: Documenting Predation During Amphibian Reproductive Events.

The global crash in amphibian populations has created a strong focus on protecting these species from extinction. Efforts to protect these species are often borne from a desire to protect these charismatic animals from harm and to ensure they remain an integral part of a nation’s natural heritage for future generations. However, it is also important … More HSI Project: Documenting Predation During Amphibian Reproductive Events.

2014: A Busy Year For The Herpetological Society of Ireland

Since it’s formation in 2009, the Herpetological Society of Ireland has worked non-stop to fulfill it’s mission statement; working to “… advance, and promote, awareness and understanding of herpetofauna …, the conservation of native & exotic herpetofauna, and Herpetoculture through education, learning, and research….HSI Chairperson 2010). With each passing year, The Society has grown; undertaking new … More 2014: A Busy Year For The Herpetological Society of Ireland

Species Profile: Fire Salamander

Name: Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra) Range: Throughout Central and Southern Europe. Habitat is typically upland deciduous forests. Diet: Insectivorious Conservation Status: IUCN – Least Concern The fire salamander is one of Europe’s most striking amphibians. The contrast of bright yellow spots/stripes against a glossy black background gives this species a very distinctive appearance. The species … More Species Profile: Fire Salamander

Tetrapod Trackway: The Path Of Our Ancestors.

If you’re a fan of reptiles and amphibians, you can’t be blamed for begrudging Ireland’s sorry lack of cold-blooded fauna. You’re very much in the wrong country if you’re a fan of snakes. As a nation, we have a world renowned reputation for getting “legless” but when it comes to the legless reptiles: ice-ages, climate … More Tetrapod Trackway: The Path Of Our Ancestors.

Species Profile: Red Eyed Tree Frog

Name: Red Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas). Range: Widespread through Central America, South Eastern Mexico and the North West of Colombia. Diet: Insectivorious Conservation Status: IUCN – Least Concern This colourful species is perhaps one of the world’s better known frogs. Its bright colours and and cartoon-like features have made it a poster-child for many … More Species Profile: Red Eyed Tree Frog