Frogspawn, total lack of.

[m1.carson]

Hi,

Every year for eight years,there's been approx. a dustbin full of spawn at the end of the pit I walk, this year there's not even one dollop, plenty in our pond though.

Could I be putting two and two together to make seven, to say that I reported a possible outbreak of blue green algae at that pit about six months ago and it's killed off the frog population.

Not to keep harping on but still no reply from the Enviroment Agency, although their automated reply said " we will contact you shortly" SIX months ago.

Max.

[Dogghound]

Its possible its blue-green algae but by late summer frogs are quite terrestrial so its unlikely to whipe out the whole population, you would still expect some spawn. Have you checked the entire pit? they may have bred in a different location. Other possibilities are more suitable breeding habitat has appeared or the large amounts of spawn where the results of people putting it there unwanted from their garden ponds which they have not done this year. I have noticed heavy fluctuation in spawn levels over the past 5 years last year we had hardly any this year there was loads (in a natural pond that is). If it is a population crash at your pit it is very worrying.

[Stewy]

None in our pond this year, gutted!!

[flowerpower136]

We've not had one scrap of frog spawn this year. Had noticed gradual decline over past few years, and thought it due to chilly spreading shade of a nearby tree. This was taken out over winter, so temperature in pond should be back to normal.

Bitterly disappointed and looking to rehouse tads from friends pond nearby.

Pond is spring fed, and water always gin clear. Had wondered about possible contamination from building work uphill, but water condition must be OK because newts are fine.

[Kayleigh]

I have tadpoles in my barrel..

[Blackbird96]

Hi,
We created a new pond last autumn/summer. We re-used the original fibre glass pond. We now have water fleas, water snails, hoglice etc and were so excited to find 7 small clusters of frogspawn (each arriving at different times). All situated in various parts of the pond some under pond plants, some in the open and some has sunk to the bottom. However, none of it looks healthy and the black dots (eggs) are going half grey, with no sign of growth - it has been nearly a month.
Please tell us if you have any idea what has happened and what can we do to ensure it does'nt happen again in future.

thankyou,
Blackbird96

[flark]

Originally Posted by m1.carson

Every year for eight years,there's been approx. a dustbin full of spawn at the end of the pit I walk, this year there's not even one dollop, plenty in our pond though.
Max.

I think you should try changing the water in the dustbin. It may have become stale. Or try using a barrel.

[m1.carson]

Hi flark,

Thanks for the suggestion, the gravel pit [lake] I walk is approx. half a mile long, and the dustbinfull is the estimated quantity of frogspawn that's usually lying in the shallow end.

But good try, thanks again.

Max.