© photo and text Sandrine New
Frogs and toads are a very important part of a healthy ecosystem and provide a service to rid the humans in a large number of insect "pests. But many species are now threatened by the decrease of wetlands, pollution, disease ... What steps can we take at the individual level, to help them survive?
Make our garden more welcoming
Amphibians eat mainly insects, moths, caterpillars, cockroaches, flies, earwigs, mosquitoes and other invertebrates ...- like slugs. One toad can consume more than 10 000 prey per year. The gardens full of pesticides to turf perfect does not suit them at all. In addition, garden chemicals may contaminate water ponds and be fatal, especially to tadpoles. If you're the kind of addicted to your mower, keep at least one corner of the garden a bit wild (around the pond, see below).
Build a pond
The amphibians need moisture, then build a pond is the best thing you can do for them.
1) Select a location in partial shade - to prevent algae from multiplying too - and that the hose can reach.
2) Ideally, dig a hole measuring at least 3 m by 3.5 m and 1 m deep (or even 2 in some places if you live in an area where it freezes a lot). A pond is smaller, however, possible (mine is about 2m x 1m x 1m deep maximum, and it is very crowded). At least one side should be gently sloping to allow amphibians to leave the water.
3) Make sure there is no stone or sharp object at the bottom, and fill with sand 5 cm.
4) Cover the bottom of a pool liner black and put some dirt on it. Place flat stones on the edges of the liner, outside, and enough land to be able to grow plants.
Alternatively, you can use a molded plastic basin provided to place large rocks or branches that allow the frogs and toads to get out easily.
5) Fill with water. If your water is chlorinated let it rest for a week before using. Ideally, use of rainwater.
6) Add water plants in pots, placed at various depths, or planted directly in the background. Plant-in also around the pond to provide shelter and attract insects. Choose plants that grow naturally in your area, you inspiring existing ponds.
7) Maintain your pond. Add water when it is missing, or that water is not too stagnant, neither too hot in summer. Remove leaves that fall into the water fall so they do not completely fill the pond. Remove algae excess (being careful to tadpoles and eggs are hiding).
8) Do not add fish: they eat the eggs of amphibians. Do not capture amphibians and put them in your pond: A frog is stressed and handled most at risk of contracting diseases, in addition, amphibians are able to travel considerable distances to return to their pond of origin. Be patient: if your pond is convenient, frogs and toads will find it well alone.
Make shelters for toads
Toads attend the shallow pools at night when they hunt insects, but like to hide in cool and dark during the day. Give them shelter:
- make an opening about 8 inches lage on 4 high in a flower pot in the ground 20 cm in diameter (first do a series of small holes to mark the location of opening, then gently tap with a hammer). Place the pot upside down in a shady spot near a water source.
- dig a hole 25 cm by 25 cm in the soil and put sand in the bottom. Place flat stones on the edges and the roof. The hole should be no more than 20 cm by 20 cm. Place a pipe of 7.5 cm in diameter and 10-15 cm long diagonal to the entrance hole. Close the entrance and shade with a leafy plant.
Help amphibians spend the winter
Depending on the species, frogs hibernate under water or soil.
-During the winter under water only survive if the pond does not freeze completely, so if it is deep enough: 1 m or 2 m, in cold regions. If the pond is too shallow, a pond aerator, or waterfall can prevent it from freezing. It can also, more simply, make sure they have branches or other debris on the merits or, failing that, save for the clay (clay) in a bowl placed at the bottom of the pond. For
-frogs hibernating on the ground, place piles of leaves near the pond and provide them with hiding places: stones stacked branches, hollow branches, bark, low vegetation.
Toads hibernate out of water, burying themselves deep in soft soil under the frost line. Especially if you live in a cold area, you can help by providing a place for hibernation.
- Dig a hole 1m2 and 1m deep. Fill it full of sand. Add compost to the surface to provide additional protection against the cold. Other ideas
There are other things you can do to help frogs and toads:
- Protect them from predators
Dogs and especially cats, are predators on amphibians. So better to keep your pets indoors when there are frogs in the corner.
- If you have a pool, prevent them from drowning by placing "rafts" floating branches or other objects that allow them to resorts.
- Children are traditionally farms tadpoles: fight against this practice, which ended almost always in the death of tadpoles or young frogs. If your children are, after all, a breeding, release the tadpoles as they begin to have legs, as young frogs, once converted into their gills lungs drown in breeding jars.
_ Fight against the practice even if widespread use of frogs, quite barbaric, natural sciences.
Sources:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/buddies/BackyardBuddiesFrogs.htm
http://www.wildaboutgardening.org
http://www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond/
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