Forumites' guide to attracting frogs

See also:

• Online field guides - frogs

• Field guides and reference books - frogs

Click image for full size –>

Sadly it seems a global trend. Frog numbers are on the decline.

Frogs have been on the planet a lot longer that us humans but their long term existence is under threat. Sadly, in Australia alone, there are thought to be 6 extinct species already. We are still discovering new species of frogs so who knows how many have gone the way of the thylacine? Its time for us all to give them a hand.

Click image for full size –>

There are a number of reasons frog populations are declining.

Frogs take chemicals into their bodies through the skin. By increasing the levels of manufactured chemicals in our environment we have killed countless frogs. They also depend on clean waterways. Sadly they are becoming more and more polluted.

Fungi are one of the most important organisms on this planet both in terms of economic and biological roles. Fungi makes our bread rise and then makes it go off. It puts alcohol and bubbles in our beer. It helps turn leaf litter into fertile soils. It is also the cause of many diseases like ringworm and athletes’ foot.

It is thought that the introduced Chytrid fungus is one of the main reasons that 6 species of frogs in Australia are thought to be extinct.

Frogs live in many diverse environments, from deserts to waterways to snowfields. Each kind of frog has its own specific environmental needs. Some can burrow underground, staying in hibernation for years whilst others will only breed in running water. They all need food, water, somewhere to hide and somewhere to breed. By making drains from creeks, lawns from forests, car parks from swamps we have seriously depleted our reptilian friend of places to live.

Frogs need food (insects), humidity, hiding places and somewhere to breed.

• Introduce native plants of varying heights. Tall trees through to ground covers.

• Mulch the garden and keep it moist (rain water tanks can help with this).

• Introduce logs and rocks.

• Avoid using garden chemicals, as frogs can absorb some of them through their skins.

There are two main types of frog ponds. Above-ground ponds and below-ground ponds.

Above-ground Frog ponds

An above-ground frog pond is basically anything that will permanently hold water. Obviously don’t use things like old chemical drums, but otherwise almost any will do. Glassed pots with the drain holes plugged (I use a wine cork and a bit of silicon) can look great and work a treat. Above-ground frog ponds are only suitable for tree frogs.

In-ground frog ponds

These are ponds built into the ground. They are often harder to build and can be more expensive. There are many ways to build an in-ground frog pond. Probably the easiest is to buy a pre-made “drop in” plastic or fibreglass pond. These don’t fit everyone’s garden though so you can simply dig a hole to the shape and size you want and use a pond liner. Or you can make a permanent and easy to maintain cement pond. Below-ground ponds are suitable for ground frogs as well as tree frogs.

Some ground frogs, like the very common Striped Marsh Frog Limnodynastes peronii, are aggressive breeders. They will make it hard for smaller and less dominant frogs to breed. So that you can have more than one type of frog in your garden, it is often best to have both above-ground and below-ground frog ponds. The more the merrier!!!

Position Position Position

As a general rule native Australian frogs need cooler water. They will be less inclined to use a pond, no matter how well it is set up, if it is stuck in the middle of the lawn in full sunlight. Remember, your pond is only part of your frog-friendly garden. Try to nestle it into the undergrowth. Let branches dangle over it to shade it. Plant heavily around it. Give your fogies somewhere to hide.

Frogs can make a bit of a racket. Avoid positioning your frog pond near your neighbour’s houses (especially bedrooms windows).

Setting up your pond

The introduced cane toad may want to live in your pond. Cane toads love deep warm water to breed. Native Australian frogs mostly want shallow cool water. So, keep your pond shady and shallow, 200-300mm is about right but check you local council laws to see how deep you are allowed to have it. Try to make your pond friendly for as many different types of frogs as possible. Have marshy shallow areas as well as deeper areas. Introduce native water plants and plant low-growing native flora around it.

Mozzie control

You must introduce fish to your pond immediately. Gold fish eat frog’s eggs and tadpoles. These are not acceptable in any way. Pacific Blue eyes are a native species that are easy to look after and won’t eat your frog’s eggs or tadpoles. Introducing new species of fish into our waterways is a major threat to biodiversity. It is a great idea to find out what fish live in your area and use them in your pond. The larger native Rainbow fishes may eat a few eggs. Try to avoid them, opting for the smaller varieties.

Build it and they will come

Now it is time to sit back and watch.

You might be tempted to catch frogs from the local creek or a friend’s pond and introduce them to yours. Unfortunately this is also a great way to spread disease like the Chytrid fungus. Not all environments are suitable for frogs and is illegal to move frogs in most states. Let them decide if it’s the right home for them. There is nothing more thrilling that hearing your first frog call from a frog that has decided to make your garden it’s home.

← Click image for full size

For more information why not ask questions at the Scribbly Gum Forum?

There is more information here. Queensland Frog Society

And here Frog friendly gardens

Would you like to see some amasing frog photos taken by Scribbly gum Photographers?

Whats next? Go Frogging of cause!