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You are here: Home / 2017 / Archives for February 2017

Archives for February 2017

Croaking Science: Amphibian Orientation and Migration

February 27, 2017 by editor

Spring is a time when pond-breeding amphibians within temperate areas return to breeding sites. Although amphibians do not migrate as far as birds and mammals, they often have to traverse difficult terrain, such as dense scrub or long grass and they may have few distinctive visual cues. Individual amphibians have been observed to return to the same breeding site year after year which demonstrates an ability to use external cues to navigate successfully back to their breeding ponds.

Breeding toads, Peter Facey, Hampshire Mar10
Figure 1: Breeding Toads (©Peter Facey)

Within Europe, after leaving breeding ponds in the summer or autumn, amphibians will often travel considerable distances away from breeding ponds, which may take many months. For example the common toad may migrate between 50 m and 5 km from breeding sites. Research has shown that amphibians probably use a range of methods to navigate which may include: visual, olfactory, auditory, celestial, lunar and magnetic cues. However, not all species can use all techniques. For example, some species are able to use magnetic cues, while others are not.

Research on the smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) and great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) suggests that individuals use predominantly olfactory cues (e.g. pond chemical cues) to navigate towards breeding ponds. If displaced outside their normal migratory range of a few hundred metres individuals are unable to return. These species seem unable to navigate using celestial or magnetic cues and suggests that individuals lack an internal spatial map. This is in contrast to the palmate newt (L. helveticus) and alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris) which in addition to using olfactory cues, also use a geomagnetic compass to find their breeding ponds. Individual palmate newts can successfully navigate back to breeding ponds even if displaced up to 19 km outside their natural range.

Figure 2: Left; Smooth Newt (©person), Right; Alpine Newt (©person)
Figure 2: Left; Smooth Newt, Right; Alpine Newt (©Sivi Sivanesan)

Recent research suggests that auditory cues from calling anurans (frog and toads) may also play a role in orientation and navigation in newts. In a study on the palmate newt, individuals were able to orient towards breeding ponds based on the calls of the sympatric common toad (Bufo bufo), but not common frog (Rana temporaria). In addition, research on the great crested newt also indicates that adults are able to navigate using calls of the common toad but not the common frog, which is probably due to the non-overlapping breeding season of the common frog with great crested newts. Individuals also appear to avoid white noise and the ability to distinguish between the calls of different anurans may be learned.

Figure 3: Common Frog
Figure 3: Common Frog

Methods of orientation may not be the same within individuals of the same species. Male natterjack toads appear to use different methods of orientation compared to females. This species breeds in highly ephemeral water bodies, the location of which is not entirely predictable from year to year due to variations in rainfall over the winter. After the winter, males will start searching for ponds using predominantly visual cues; olfactory cues appear to be less important. Magnetic cues may be used if individuals are a considerable distance from a pond. Once at water bodies, males start calling for females. In contrast to males, the females do not employ visual, olfactory or magnetic cues but orient using the calls of the males. Ponds with louder calls attract more females.

Figure 4: Natterjack Toad (©Tim Bernhard)
Figure 4: Natterjack Toad (©Tim Bernhard)

There is increasing evidence that the moon may play a role in navigation as the large arrival and amplexus events and large spawning events of common frogs and toads are more frequent around full moon at a range of European sites.

Overall it appears that amphibians use a range of methods to correctly orientate towards breeding sites and the techniques employed vary depending on species, sex, breeding strategy and migratory behaviour. However we still have a lot to learn about how these, especially lunar cues, are used in many amphibian species and how increased artificial light levels or sound levels may negatively impact on their ability to correctly navigate back to breeding ponds in the spring.

Laurence Jarvis, Froglife Conservation Co-ordinator

 

References

Diego-Rasilla, F.J., Luengo, R.M. and Phillips, J.B. (2008) Use of a magnetic compass for nocturnal homing orientation in the palmate newt, Lissotriton helveticus. Ethology, 114: 808-815.

Diego-Rasilla, F.J. and Luego, R.M. (2007) Acoustic orientation in the palmate newt Lissotriton helveticus. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 61 (11): 1329-1335.

Grant, R. A., Chadwick, E. A. and Halliday, T. (2009) The lunar cycle: a cue for amphibian reproductive phenology? Animal Behaviour, 78: 349-357.

Kovar, R., Brabec, M., Vita, R. and Bocek, R. (2009) Spring migration distances of some central European amphibian species. Amphibia-Reptilia, 30: 367-378.

Maddon, N. and Jehle, R. (2017) Acoustic orientation in the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus). Amphibia-Reptilia, 38 (1): 57-65.

Sinsch, U., Schäfer, R. and Sinsch, A. (2006) The homing behaviour of displaced smooth newts Triturus vulgaris. In: M. Vences, J. Köhler, T. Ziegler, W. Böhme (eds): Herpetologia Bonnensis II.

Proceedings of the 13th Congress of the Societas Europaea Herpetologica. pp. 163-166.

Sinsch, U. (2010) Sex-biased site fidelity and orientation behavior in reproductive natterjack toad (Bufo calamita). Ethology, Ecology and Evolution, 4: 15-32.

Sinsch, U. and Kirst, C. (2016) Homeward orientation of displaced newts (Triturus cristatus, Lissitroton vulgaris) is restricted to the range of routine movements. Ethology, Ecology and Evolution, 28 (3): 312-328.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: amphibian orientation, Amphibians, Croaking Science, migration

Inspired by Nature: Frogs and Toads!

February 27, 2017 by editor

Froglife Volunteer and Wildlife Artist, Samantha Marais, has chosen to share her beautiful drawings of the UK’s Frog and Toad species with us.

Common Frog (Rana temporaria)

Rana temporaria - S. Marais

The Common Frog is easily our most recognisable amphibian. They’re found throughout Britain and Ireland, in almost any habitat where suitable breeding ponds are near by. Common Frogs have smooth skin and long legs for jumping away quickly. Garden ponds are extremely important for common frogs, particularly in urban areas.

Common Toad (Bufo bufo)

Bufo bufo - S. Marais

The Common Toad is a widespread amphibian found throughout Britain though is absent from Ireland. Common Toads prefer deeper water bodies in which to breed, including fish ponds, farm ponds, reservoirs or village ponds. They have rough, ‘warty’ skin and tend to crawl rather than hop. Common Toads produce a toxin from a pair of glands on their back which makes them distasteful to would-be predators.

Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita)

Epidalea calamita - S. Marais

In Britain, the Natterjack Toad is confined to coastal sand dune systems, coastal grazing marshes and sandy heaths; they’re often associated with shallow, warm ponds in sand dune slacks as they require warmer water in which to breed successfully. Natterjack Toads have shorter legs than Common Toads and are quite quick on land – being known to run rather than walk or hop – but they are poor swimmers.

 

To find out more about the UK’s native amphibian and reptile species click HERE

OR

If you think you’ve spotted any of these species download the DRAGON FINDER APP and record your sightings.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Amphibians, art, Dragon Finder App, drawing, Inspired by nature

Gloucestershire Toads on Roads Public Meeting

February 7, 2017 by admin

breeding-toads-silviu-petrovanWhy did the Toad Cross the Road?

Common toads are declining in numbers and need our help. At this time of year thousands of toads are killed crossing our roads as they migrate to their breeding ponds. Last year volunteer patrollers in Gloucestershire helped 4,000 toads to safely cross the road. Come and find out more about these amazing animals and practical ways you can help, at a talk given by Gloucestershire Toads on Roads.

There is no charge for this talk, to reserve your place please contact us at glos.toads@gmail.com 

******************

Sunday 12th February at 4:30pm

Nature in Art

Main A38 Twigworth

Gloucester

GL2 9PA

******************

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Event, Gloucester, Public Meeting, Toads on Roads

A new wetland for Mr Toad

February 3, 2017 by admin

The conservation charity Froglife are pleased to announce that they have secured a grant of £8,600 from The Veolia Environmental Trust, through the Landfill Communities Fund, to create a wildlife pond at Ham Common Woods in Richmond. Froglife will work in partnership with the London borough of Richmond upon Thames to create a wetland oasis.

Pond creation Day 3 Ham Common Woods

This habitat work will be delivered as part of Froglife’s HLF funded flagship project, London Dragon Finder, which is encouraging Londoners to help protect amphibians and reptiles across the city.  Through surveying, mapping and creating new habitats, the project helps to conserve species like toads, frogs and newts – all of which are found in the bustling capital.

The project will improve and enhance the biodiversity value of an area of woodland at Ham Common Woods by creating a new large pond which will part of a network of new ponds in the woods. It is a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation, next to Richmond Park and a Local Nature Reserve. Currently there are only wet hollows within the woodland which support breeding frogs during wet springs where there is sufficient standing water. There is also a common toad population on site which has been divided by roads. A mosaic of diverse marginal vegetation & open water will greatly improve the pond for these species.

This work is essential a recent study by Froglife and partners from The University of Zurich in Switzerland has shown that on average common toads have declined by 68% over the last 30 years in the UK. In some areas, such as London and the south east of England, declines have been even more pronounced.

Since October 2013 the London Dragon Finder project has improved habitats at over forty sites across the capital. “As our towns and cities have expanded the habitat available for wildlife has shrunk.” says Alan Shearman (London Dragon Finder Project Manager), “But, with some careful planning, and help from willing volunteers, we can still create the right conditions for wildlife to thrive in urban areas”.

Richmond Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Pamela Fleming, said: “This is fantastic news for our beautiful borough and we’re delighted that our partnership work with Froglife has resulted in what will be a gorgeous wetland oasis courtesy of the funding provided by The Veolia Environmental Trust. The environment is a cornerstone of our work here at the Council and we know how much our natural habitats, parks and open green spaces mean to our residents.”

The Executive Director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Paul Taylor, adds, “We are really pleased to be able to support this exciting project and we look forward to seeing the finished pond and the frog and toad life it will support.’  

Work is expected to be completed before the end of February in time for the breeding season.

3 VET Logo RGB

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Froglife, habitat, Ham Common Woods, London, London Dragon Finder, Pond, Richmond, Veolia Environmental Trust

Froglife have bagged a share of a £12.5million carrier bag charge fund

February 3, 2017 by admin

Froglife is delighted to announce it has bagged £12,000 from a Tesco funding scheme.

Bags of help1

Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch the second round of its Bags of Help funding initiative, which sees grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 – all raised from the 5p bag levy – being awarded to local outdoor community projects.

Millions of shoppers voted in stores up and down the country. And it can now be revealed Froglife has been awarded £12,000.

Work will now begin on bringing the project to life.

The grant will pay for the creation of a network of ponds and ditches that will provide ideal habitat for frogs, toads, newts as well as a wealth of other wildlife, including; water voles, dragonflies, aquatic invertebrates and wetland birds.

As well as the habitat improvements works, the grant will pay for a programme of amphibian walks and workshops that will introduce a whole new audience to finding and understanding these wonderful creatures.  There will also be ‘memory benches’ that will have frog, toad and amphibians carved into them, where visitors to the nature reserve can sit and watch all the comings and goings of all the wildlife.

James McAdie, Project Manager for Froglife’s HLF-funded River Nene Dragon Finder project said; “We are delighted to have secured this generous grant from the Tesco Bags of Help team – Groundwork UK.  These funds coupled with the enthusiasm of the local volunteers will ensure that this fantastic nature reserve and all of its wildlife benefits tremendously.  The habitat creations and restorations coupled with the public engagement activities will enhance an area already rich in wildlife and biodiversity.  Froglife is excited to see the results that this generous amount will have on the native amphibians, reptiles and wildlife.” 

Lindsey Crompton, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “Bags of Help has been a fantastic success.

“We been overwhelmed by the response of our customers and it’s been great to give people a say on how the money will be spent in their community. We can’t wait to see the projects come to life.”

Voting ran in stores from 31 October to 13 November – with customers choosing which local project they would like to get the top award using a token given to them at the check-out in store.

Tesco estimates that around six million votes were cast in stores up and down the UK.

Since launching in 2015, Bags of Help has awarded more than £24m across 2,421 local projects.

And from 1 December, customers will be able to vote for local groups all year round, every time they shop and grants will be awarded monthly – meaning that thousands more projects will benefit from the scheme.

Funding will now be awarded to groups who are seeking to use and develop outdoor spaces in ways that will benefit their local community, and money will be available in smaller amounts, making it more accessible.

Customers will get the chance to vote for three different groups each month. At the end of each month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding.

Groundwork’s national chief executive, Graham Duxbury, said: 

“It’s just the beginning for Bags of Help and we’re really excited about the future.  The scheme will be permanently open for applications, and as grants can now be used for not just the development of, but also for the use of local outdoor spaces, we expect even more groups will now have the chance to benefit.

“It’s projects like these that really help to capture the public’s imagination by illustrating what can be achieved when communities are given the support and the encouragement they need to create better places where they live.”

Anyone can nominate a local project and local organisations can apply. To find out more visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: bags of help, cambridgeshire county council, Froglife, rings end nature reserve, Tesco

Gretton School are leaping for joy!

February 1, 2017 by admin

Froglife have been awarded a £19,836 grant from the Postcode Local Trust to develop an unused and publically accessible area of Gretton School’s grounds into a vibrant wildlife area and outdoor classroom.

We will be working with the school to create a network of ponds, providing stepping stone habitats for wildlife and linking to the surrounding countryside. A fire pit, wooded area for den building, natural seating areas for learning and a wooden hut will also be included in the project. Community involvement will be encouraged through wildlife workshops and an open day.

Froglife’s Head of Learning and Communications, Jenny Tse-Leon said “We’re hugely grateful to the Postcode Local Trust for awarding us this grant so that we can create this community resource”

frog in hands lcbAfter a chance meeting Froglife worked with Gretton School to develop plans to improve an overgrown area of land for the benefit of wildlife and people.

Assistant Headteacher, Victoria Howe, explains “Gretton School is a specialist school for children with high functioning autism. The children prefer to learn in a kinaesthetic way and having an outside area which they can have safe access to would motivate and inspire them to embrace the outdoors and to be able to practise invaluable life skills”.

“Leapfrog Girton” was developed from these ideas and aims to support children with additional needs to engage with the environment around them whilst also creating valuable habitats for wildlife and raising awareness among the school and local community about amphibians, reptiles and conservation efforts to protect them.

Froglife will be delivering the year-long project through their Leapfrog Schools Programme which offer schools a range of accessible and inclusive options to help them learn more about amphibians and reptiles.

Jenny Tse-Leon, said “We are delighted to be working with Gretton School on this project and have been impressed by their enthusiasm and commitment”.

You can find out more about our Leapfrog Schools project at www.froglife.org/leapfrog-schools/.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: environmental education, Froglife, frogs, girton, gretton school, leapfrog schools, ponds, postcode local trust

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