The arrival of spring rhymes with the season of frogs. After a period of rest, from November to good weather, amphibians are making a comeback in our gardens. But how can you welcome and protect them? Here are our simple and practical tips for promoting biodiversity.
Why welcome and protect frogs?
Salamanders, toads, frogs… These are all amphibians that are now threatened with extinction. Cause ? Chytridiomycosis, a microscopic aquatic fungus that has led to the decline of at least 500 species over the past 50 years. [1] As a result, frogs die by the thousands. If you have a yard, do whatever it takes to ensure their protection.
Build a pond
As you know, the frog thrives in water. If you don’t already have a pond, pond or basin (from 40 cm to a maximum of 1 m deep) in your garden, now might be the time to think about it. And the good news is that this watering hole will benefit salamanders, toads, dragonflies, birds or bees. Please note that adding fish is strongly discouraged as they tend to eat amphibious larvae. Here’s a simple and helpful video to learn how to dig your own pond.
Set up a shelter
The frog does not live mainly in water. If it is too hot or too cold, she will seek shelter to protect herself or simply to rest. Do not hesitate to put a canopy in your garden. For this you can make your own with green waste (wood, compost, leaves), by placing small piles of stone or rocks. Note that terracotta or ceramic pots also work.
plants plants
To promote biodiversity and make your garden an oasis of peace for insects and animals, leave room for vegetation. Ears of corn, reeds, sedges, water lilies, shrubs and even hedges provide shelter for frogs all year round. But that’s not all, plants are also a privileged spawning medium for them. So, advice to gardeners, in your place, ready, plant!
Ban chemicals
Say no to insecticides and pesticides for the well-being of flora and fauna. The impact of these chemicals on frogs and other amphibians is alarming. They are clearly harmful to insects, which is a problem as frogs mainly feed on flies, ants, caterpillars, earthworms… So ban these products!
As you will have understood, the frog needs our help more than ever. Did you like this article? Moving on, here’s our practical article to help amphibians survive the winter well.