Frog

February 2009 – Fungi fanatics hate the phrase ‘toadstool’ because it is both laden with prejudice and deeply-misleading – when did you last see a toad on a mushroom?

Despite the exceptionally long, cold winter, hundreds of thousands of frogs and toads are now emerging from hibernation to begin hopping and crawling towards water. By late winter it only takes a couple of days of warm weather to convince them the race to mate is on. In no time every garden pond is filled with croaking, thrashing amphibians and the water is soon a black jellied mess of spawn. This year is no exception - the snow might still be fresh in our minds, but three days of blue skies and, goldfish-like, the winter is wiped from the minds of our native amphibians . . . sex is all.

This should fill everyone with excitement. Not only is this one of the first tangible signs of spring, but frogs and toads are incredibly important to both the gardeners and the environment. To begin with the adults’ diet is comprised largely of slugs and small snails, not to mention numerous insect pests, so if you are surprised by one lurking beneath the dense foliage of your hostas, count your blessings.

They are also a vital food for a huge range of predators. Foxes, badgers and buzzards all gratefully accept this natural bounty. They are particularly important now because they come at a time when other sources of protein – such as voles and shrews – are at their lowest ebb.

Fortunately they are so plentiful and prolific that natural predators have little impact on numbers. Even though only a tiny percentage of the spawn will emerge from the water as froglets in the summer – and still fewer will live to breed – it doesn’t matter. Should they get to adulthood, their life expectancy is several years. Thus it takes only one or two good seasons for numbers to explode.

Most British frogs are of the ‘common’ variety (Rana temporaria), but two European frogs have been introduced. The edible species (Rana esculenta) arrived in 1837 thanks to an enthusiastic amateur naturalist and it can still be found in parts of the South East and there is also a healthy Kent population of marsh frogs (Rana ridibunda), introduced in the 1930s by another well-wisher. Fortunately neither has proved an environmental disaster which is more than can be said for the latest import, the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). This rapacious species from North America was sold during the 1980s by garden centres to stock ornamental ponds, but has developed a great taste for native frogs.

Unfortunately, this is the least of their problems. Many have suffered from secondary poisoning after eating slugs contaminated with slug pellets. Worse, a deadly disease, Ranavirus, was accidentally imported from America and is proving the amphibian’s equivalent of myxomatosis (sores erupt along the frogs’ legs and torsos, often leading to the loss of limbs, before death in 90% of cases). Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats, however, because around three quarters of village ponds and many wetlands disappeared during the 20th century. Ironically, currently their best chance for recovery is from modern gardeners. The fad for ponds and organic practices mean frogs are thriving in suburbia and working hard at controlling snails, slugs and pest insects – long may they remain!

All the more reason, therefore, to rejoice at the first croaks and groans from a nearby ditch or pond. Not only is this an early signs of new life, but an indication of environmental health. Frogs have delicate skins and this means they act as conservation canaries, being particularly susceptible to pollution.

Please click here if you would like to join our Newsletter mailing list

Latest

Newsletter

Mushroom Newsletter (29 July 2010)
Porcini are here! Usually I would expect to find this autumn mushroom from about September onwards, but this year they seem to be up a good six weeks early . . .. Mushroom_Newsletter_(Porcini_-_July_2010).PDF

Wildlife Profile

Moths (July 2010)
If one could rank insects by popularity, moths would be a long way from the top. Unlike their beautiful cousins, the butterflies, most are drab and nocturnal. Thus we are most likely to encounter them when a particularly large specimen begins to crash around the lamp by an open window in the dead of night . . .

Wild Food

Ramsoms (May 2010)
While checking out your favourite mushroom woods, keep an eye open for the lush green foliage of wild garlic . . .

Recipes

Wild Mushroom and Nut Pate
This delicious pate which blends summer mushrooms with hazel nuts is perfect for August picnics . . .

Shop

German mushroom knife
These specially imported knives have a hawk's bill stainless steel blade, lanyard hook and measuring scale. The blade's serrated back and inbuilt natural bristle brush allow collectors to clean their finds in the field.

Website designed and Hosted by Mid Wales Design

Nochex Merchant Account