Frogs

The answer to toads, Honey Bee is usaully "if you haven't got them you won't get them" they nearly always return to the same pond and will travel long distances(for a toad)to get back. Introduced toads usually leave. Something to do with the smell of the water where they first hatched.They are toxic and any cat or dog bitting one will salivate proffusely to rid itself of the burning toxin but don't suffer any lasting harm, now if they were Cane toads that would be different.

 

If I found a friend with toad spawn, would it work if I put it in my pond?

 

I would have thought so, frogspawn does. I have toads in my garden and I am mystified as to where they go to spawn, The nearest pond is tiny and it's owner says she has never seen toadspawn in it. :rolleyes:

 

you'll have to get a web-cam on them, Liz!

 

They seem to have this sensory "tatse" for water but whether they have it before hatching I don't know, frogs don't care where they breed,lake pond or barrel. Toads are more fussy. It is worth maybe trying some but not all of the spawn.

 

I'm not 100% sure, but I think its against the law to move toad spawn.

 

this is the only link with toads and the law that I have found - Amphibians and the Law
All five Essex species are listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Section 9. This means that it is an offence to sell frogs, toads or newts collected in the wild without a licence. The Act was amended in 1995 so that a written licence is required also for any collection in the breeding season.

The Great Crested Newt also receives special protection because it is uncommon nationally (it does regularly occur in garden ponds in Essex because this is its stronghold). Unless you have a licence from English Nature it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take a Great Crested Newt or be in possession of a live or dead specimen. It is also an offence to intentionally damage or obstruct a place of shelter or disturb a Great Crested Newt whilst it occupies such a place of shelter. This protection often features in deliberations over development proposals where sites for Great Crested Newts are threatened.

 

this is also advice onm the subject from the Sussex branch of the Wildlife Trust ( why Sussex? - Well that's what came up!)
How can I get rid of surplus spawn?
This is a common question in spring when some small garden ponds can be almost choked with spawn. You may want to reduce the amount and pass it on to other people who are not so fortunate. It is not a good idea to move spawn, tadpoles or adults around in this way because of the risk of transferring disease. Frogs and toads in particular do naturally produce very large amounts of spawn. They have to because they fall prey to so many predators. Or another way of looking at it is that they provide food for large numbers of other creatures.

All considered we do not recommend removing spawn unless it completely chokes the whole surface of the pond. If this happens then a small amount could be removed to expose some open water, but you should not give this away - it is best to bury it in the garden

 

Oh well, I think that says I'm wrong :D

 

Not so sure, Pete2255, I thikn we should all be careful about the amphibians - you can't just pass them around willy nilly - they're living creatures.

 

There is a lake at Llandrindod Wells [spa town]in Mid Wales and unfortunately for the frogs and toads there is a road running around it. The locals for many years have arranged a Toad lift. Toads are helped across the road and into the lake. [I was going to add wether they want to or not, but I won't]The road is just a scenic route around this small lake and motorists stop and help the speed limit is very low. The Victorians and later used to row and motorboat around it but now it's a nature thing. I can remember the boats varnished and maintained to perfection sadly all now gone. The boat house is now a shop.

 

I know great crested newts are protected, and some others, wasn't 100% sure if toads were included. Mind you I suppose it depends on what type of toad. I should imagine the natterjack is proteced. I think I will just "let nature take its course". It will be better that way.

 

I agree Nixon, I dont think we should meddle with any wildlife unless its absolutely necessary.
I've heard of this kind of thing going on in other places hans, toad tunnels under roads etc. :D
Isn't the natterjack an american import?

[ 05. March 2006, 09:39 PM: Message edited by: pete2255 ]

 

believe so, Pete2255 - so maybe it's no prob to move it,as an alien species!

 

Pete/Nixon
Natterjacks are a native European species and the UK is on the northern edge of their range. American Bullfrogs have been introduced in parts of Europe (N Italy) and here via pets shops in the past.