Join in with our Big Spawn Count, so that we can find out more about the breeding success of our common frogs and toads.
The Big Pond Dip and Big Pond Thaw surveys have given us a lot of new information about garden ponds. Now we are working with our colleagues at Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) and Amphibian and Reptile Groups of UK (ARGUK) to find out more about the number of frogs breeding in garden ponds.
Female frogs can produce several thousand eggs bound together in a clump of spawn. Since each female frog usually produces one clump of spawn, it is possible to estimate the numbers of breeding females from the number of spawn clumps. In this first year we are asking you to try out this new survey – which, as it develops, will also give us a crucial insight into the numbers of frogs breeding in garden ponds.
You can take part in our Big Spawn Count by going to your pond and counting the number of spawn clumps present. The timing of spawning depends on temperature, so, although as a rule of thumb spawning starts in the SW England and W Wales in early January, and moves eastwards and northwards, in a warmer year it may be earlier.
In a pond, frogs may spawn over the period of a few weeks, and we want to know the final peak number of spawn clumps. When first laid, spawn clumps are approximately tennis ball sized. However, as they mature they slowly expand to around grapefruit sized.
As it develops, the ‘jelly’ of frogspawn breaks down, making it harder to identify individual clumps. Several clumps of mature spawn then appear as a continuous jelly mat. But you can keep track of the number of spawn clumps by counting them as they appear, keeping an eye on the pond over the spawning period.
We are also keen to find out more about our Common Toad. Sadly, toads are not as common as they once were, and as a result they are now categorised as an ‘at risk’ Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species. Although generally toads are less associated with garden ponds and are famously ‘site faithful’ for bigger breeding ponds – there is some indication that perhaps the use of gardens is becoming more frequent due to loss of traditional breeding habitat. This is something we would like to find out more about.
Toads lay their eggs in a characteristic double string of spawn, which can be up to 2m long. Toads spawn in a melee, over the period of a few days, which is often later than frogs, typically in March or April. If you see toads or strings of toad spawn in your pond then let us know (Toad images copyright John Baker).
To tell us more about the frogs and toads breeding in your garden then join in with our online Big Spawn Survey.
This is a joint survey supported by:
Pond Conservation is the national charity dedicated to protecting the wildlife of our freshwaters: ponds, rivers, streams and lakes.
We give advice, carry out research, promote practical action and lobby policy makers to ensure that freshwater wildlife and habitats have a secure future.
If you would like to support our work and help to protect our vulnerable fresh water wildlife then join us now!
