Frog/Tadpole Research Carried Out on Cuttle Brook

Following some sampling of the pond in Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve in 2024 by Heriot Watt University, they have now advanced to the next phase of research, deploying three small floating enclosures in the ponds.

Each enclosure holds ~50 frogspawn eggs to observe tadpole responses to environmental factors. They are returning every 3 weeks to check on the enclosures and sample a small number of tadpoles.   

How the Enclosures Work 
These enclosures allow tadpoles to be safely observed in natural conditions while monitoring their response to environmental factors. Work is conducted with the utmost care, ensuring minimal disturbance to the environment.

Why This Matters 
This research will help understanding of the environmental stressors affecting tadpoles and their habitats, providing insights for conservation efforts.