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There could be several reasons behind the loss of froglets /
toadlets. They are most vulnerable just before and just after
they leave the pond. It's important to remember that froglets /
toadlets will all leave the pond around the same time so make
sure you do not cut the grass during these few days! Don't be
alarmed by the large numbers, they will soon disperse into
surrounding gardens.
There are three main reasons why froglets or toadlets might die:
Once they have absorbed their tails and are ready to leave the
pond, froglets are effectively air-breathers and hence want to
escape from the pond as quickly as possible. Many froglets have
difficulty emerging from ponds, especially if the sides are
steep. As a result a large number can drown. It is therefore a
good idea to make sure at least one side of your pond has a
shallow exit. A temporary measure, such as adding an object into
the pond to act as a ramp (e.g. rocks or bricks, plant substrate
or rafts of bark), will work if you are not able to change the
shape of the pond itself.
When a froglet emerges from the pond it immediately needs cover
from vegetation to stop it from drying out. If your pond is in
the middle of a short cut lawn or patio then the chances are, if
the froglets emerge on a warm summer’s day, they will quickly
dry out and die. It is a good idea to plant vegetation at the
shallow end of the pond so they have something to hide in until
it cools down enough for them to disperse fully into the
surrounding landscape. Allow vegetation immediately around the
pond to grow a little longer, at least during May and June, and
leave some rocks or logs here to act as damp refuges.
When froglets emerge from the pond they are particularly
vulnerable to predators. One day your garden can be teeming with
froglets and the next it can appear to be empty. The ‘mass
emergence’ of froglets can lead to a frenzy of predators putting
in an appearance - including common garden bird species,
hedgehogs, badgers and foxes. Once froglets disperse those that
survive will leave your pond and stay on land (possibly some
distance away) for 2–3 years before returning as adults.
If
you've noticed large numbers of froglets / toadlets dying on
emergence from the pond without any of the symptoms described
above please see our information on the
chytrid fungus.
FAQ:
What's the
best pond design for amphibians?
Advice sheet:
Amphibian
Health and Disease.
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