Fewer frogs and toads spotted as ponds vanish
SIGHTINGS of frogs and toads in gardens have declined as ponds vanish, survey results from tens of thousands of households suggest.
The RSPB said information gathered from its annual Big Garden Birdwatch, which also asks people about what other wildlife they see in their gardens, showed a decline in sightings of the amphibians since 2014.
Frogs are the most commonly seen wild visitor to gardens other than birds, spotted in more than three-quarters (76 per cent) of backyards at some point in the last year, according to the survey, which includes results from 174,000 gardens.
But while they were seen at least monthly in 39pc of outside spaces in the last year, the figure is down from 46pc in 2014, the last time they were included in the survey.
It is a similar story for toads, which were seen in 20pc of gardens and outdoor spaces, down from 28pc four years ago.
The disappearance of garden ponds and pools, important habitat for amphibians, is putting pressure on frogs and toads, conservationists say.
The RSPB is urging people to get outside and create simple ponds and pools in their outdoor spaces this summer.
Dr Daniel Hayhow said: “Most people remember seeing tadpoles at the local pond or a toad emerging from under a rock while they were growing up – these first experiences with nature stay with us forever. Unfortunately, the sights and sounds of wildlife that were once common to us are sadly becoming more mysterious. There are lots of simple things we can all do in our outdoor spaces to make them perfect for wildlife. Creating a small pond in your garden, or a pool using a washing-up bowl, is so simple to do and could make all the difference.”