FAQs about frogs and toads: too many

Common frogs gather in large numbers to breed (Judy Dowling)

WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions about... frogs and toads:

I have too many frogs / toads in my pond, shall I move some?

During spring amphibians return to ponds to breed. In garden ponds, common frogs can be particularly numerous at this time of year.

Sometimes upwards of fifty frogs can return to the pond, leading to the popular concern that ponds may be 'overcrowded'. This is a completely natural phenomenon, typical of amphibian populations around the world, with some years being particularly successful for breeding amphibians. Many people report that in subsequent years the numbers are not sustained and they then drop down.

During spring the majority of common frogs will not stay around the pond area for more than a few weeks. Male frogs arrive earlier than females and there can be a few weeks before breeding actually commences. Spawning will last for a couple of weeks 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.

Moving frogs or spawn?
We do not advise that you attempt to move frogs, toads or their spawn away from your pond at this time of year: 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.

Too many froglets / toadlets in the summer?
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; many will fall prey to other wildlife - amphibians play an important role in food chains. We advise that you avoid mowing the lawn during this period. When you next cut the lawn carefully walk the route first to ensure that no amphibians are hiding in the grass. Amphibians, particularly common frogs, like to sit in long grass so from this point onwards it is advisable to keep your grass short to avoid any accidents.

More information:

Dragons in your Garden. >>>

Identifying amphibians. >>>

I've found dead frogs / toads, what's going on? >>>