FAQs about spawn and tadpoles: being preyed on

Amphibians form a vital part of the food chain (Sam Taylor)

WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions about... spawn and tadpoles:

Spawn / tadpoles are being preyed upon, what can be done?

Amphibian eggs and their tadpoles make up a vital part of the food chain. To ensure that some eggs survive to develop into adults, amphibians produce lots of eggs.

You should expect that 95% of the eggs, tadpoles or young amphibians in your pond will be eaten throughout spring by numerous predators, including: fish, dragonfly larvae, water boatmen, grass snakes, birds and even hedgehogs. Larger tadpoles may also sometimes prey on smaller, weaker tadpoles.

Frogs, particularly, are part of the food chain; tadpoles are an important food source for wildlife, including other amphibians - newts are a predator of tadpoles, especially in the weeks after frog spawning when adult newts are in the pond laying their eggs on pond plants. Garden ponds are often home to more than one species of amphibian. This is a healthy situation and indicates that the pond is functioning well. There is no need to remove newts or other predators though we would advise against deliberately introducing fish to a wildlife pond.

Adding places within the pond for tadpoles to hide could help increase their chances of survival. Potential hiding places include rocks/pebbles and aquatic planters.

We would advise that pond-owners avoid using pond-netting. Sometimes the animals you're trying to attract (like grass snakes or hedgehogs) can become caught and die.

More information:

Newts are eating my tadpoles, should anything be done to stop them? >>>

How can I encourage frogs / toads into my garden? >>>

Dragons in your Garden. >>>