 Did you ever wonder why a frog "ribbits" or how amphibians survive even the harshest winters? Well just ask! E-mail your questions to frogwatch@nwf.org.
Question:
I would like to know how I can attract more frogs and toads into my backyard. I have only seen two toads since moving to my home two years ago. I would love to see frogs, too! I think they would help reduce the number of insects around our yard in the spring and summer. If you can help us, we'd really appreciate it.
Answer:
It is wonderful that you are interested in making your yard more attractive to amphibians. Here are some suggestions on how to make your backyard more desirable real estate for native frogs and toads. Creating a great backyard habitat will encourage new wildlife visitors to stay and make it their home.
To attract amphibians to your yard, consider the following tips:
Build a backyard pond:
Frogs and toads require water to live and breed, so building a pond is the best way to invite them to make your backyard home. Here are some things to keep in mind when designing your water feature:
- Make sure that frogs and toads can get into and out of your pond with ease. Provide logs or rocks for them to climb onto and avoid steep edges.
- Some frogs survive the winter underwater and require a permanent pond that does not freeze completely and is several feet deep.
- Other frogs and most toads only require shallow temporary ponds for breeding, or use the shallow areas of larger ponds. These species overwinter on land, burying themselves in softer soils or under leaves.
- Plant emergent vegetation, native to your area, around the edges of your pond to provide cover for frogs and toads.
Provide some shelter:
- Create a toad abode to shelter toads in a cool, shady part of your garden.
- Dense leafy foliage close to the ground will provide cover for amphibians during the spring and summer months.
- During the winter, piles of leaves provide cover for some frogs, toads and salamanders.
Let frogs and toad colonize your backyard naturally. Do not purchase frogs or toads to stock your new habitat, or move adults or even tadpoles from other wetlands to your backyard. When you have provided all that a frog or toad could want, just be patient and they will come to you.
Do you have questions about the frogs or toad in your local area or how you can help protect their habitat? E-mail Frogwatch USA at frogwatch@nwf.org!
Full List of Ask the Expert Answers:
Flowerpot Full of Frog Eggs
Frog Calls on Your Calendar
More Frogs in Your Future?
What Species is This?
From Tadpole to Frog
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