European Common Frog
European Common Frog is widespread throughout most of Europe as well as a north-western part of Asia. It inhabits even polar regions and is recorded up to elevations of 2,700 m above sea level. Still, the species is absent from southernmost Europe, including Portugal and southern parts of Spain, Italy and Greece.
The population is currently stable. The species is generally very common. However, some populations in Western Europe are in decline (in Switzerland, Spain) due to the water pollution and draining of breeding sites and ponds.
Conservation
■ Listed in Appendix III of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats as a protected fauna species.
■ Listed in Annex V of EU Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats of wild fauna and flora (the Habitats Directive).
Taxonomy
■ Phylum Chordata – chordates
■ Class Amphibia – amphibians
■ Order Anura – frogs
■ Family Ranidae – true frogs
■ Species Rana temporaria – European Common Frog (Grass Frog, Brown Frog)