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Quick answer
Nothing! Gatherings of breeding amphibians or froglets/toadlets that have left the pond en masse will
soon naturally disperse.
Further
information
During spring amphibians return to ponds to breed. In garden
ponds, common frogs can be particularly numerous at this time of
year. Sometimes more than fifty frogs can return to one pond,
leading to the popular concern that it's 'overcrowded'. This is
a completely natural phenomenon, typical of amphibian
populations around the world.
Amphibian populations naturally fluctuate with some years being
particularly successful leading to large numbers of adults
gathering; but then in subsequent years the numbers
are not sustained and they then drop down.
The majority of breeding common frogs and common toads will not stay around the
pond area for more than a few weeks. Male amphibians arrive earlier
than females and there can be a few weeks before breeding
actually commences. Spawning can last for a few days or a couple of weeks,
depending on the weather, and
activity will then decline, with adults moving to different
parts of the pond or leaving the water completely. In the case
of common toads, the vast majority will only spend a small
amount of time in the water.
During the summer you may notice large numbers of tiny emerging
common frogs and common toads leaving the pond after they have
fully metamorphosed. Again, this is completely natural (safety
in numbers!) - most will disperse over the following days and
weeks. Only a small proportion of these will survive to return
as adults - amphibians play an important role in food chains
and many will fall prey to other wildlife.
We do not advise that you attempt to move frogs, toads or their
spawn away from your pond: by taking them to a different pond
you may unwittingly transfer various diseases and invasive
plants. Also, many amphibians may try to return and there is a
danger that some may suffer as a result of being placed in an
unsuitable area.
Making your garden frog-friendly.
Identifying amphibians.
Just Add
Water.
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