Life and death after the big freeze?

[Malcolm Banks]

I know we are most likely not out of the woods yet in terms of freezng weather, but with my pond thawed for the first time in 3 weeks, I was anxious to check for signs of life, or death. Happy to report no obvious deaths as yet, but the only sign of life was a large frog or toad. I actually saw this briefly yesterday night, and it was moving slowly under the ice in about 20cms of water. I got a better view of it this evening and it was a khaki coolour and waytoo big for a male common frog. I was under the impression that some male frogs (but not female frogs or toads) hibernate at the bottom of the pond. So, is this rule not absolute, and if so is it likely to be a female frog or a toad that is proving the exception to the rule?
M

[Dogghound]

Common toads hibernate on land. Its almost certainly a frog, how big is it exactly? Although its usually males which hibernate in water I dont think it would be to exceptional for a female to do the same, afterall not all males hibernate underwater. Although it would not make much sense for a female to do this, as its usually associated with males getting to the pond first to establish a territory before the females arrive and be first to get a mate.

[Malcolm Banks]

Thanks for the confirmation Dogghound. Difficult to get the size, it was about twice the size of a male frog. In extreme circumstances I am sure that many "rules" get broken.
M

[tom00_uk]

dont forget the refractive properties of the air/ice water mix will alter the perceived size of the amphibian in question

[Deb London]

I completely overhauled one of my ponds these last two days (necessary work to maintain it). Three frogs were recovered from the bottom. All three seemed large to me. They were identical in size. I can only assume they were male. They have a strange saggy appearance that's difficult to describe. Sort of floppy and soft. (They are very much alive though, as I discovered when one of them shot off as fast as anything - 0 to 60 in about three seconds flat. ) Why do they look like this? Is it normal?

[slimrbp]

Originally Posted by Deb London

I completely overhauled one of my ponds these last two days (necessary work to maintain it). Three frogs were recovered from the bottom. All three seemed large to me. They were identical in size. I can only assume they were male. They have a strange saggy appearance that's difficult to describe. Sort of floppy and soft. (They are very much alive though, as I discovered when one of them shot off as fast as anything - 0 to 60 in about three seconds flat. ) Why do they look like this? Is it normal?

Not 100% on this but I believe they live off their fat reserves during the winter so the floppy skin may be an outcome of this?

[Deb London]

Thanks Richard, interesting idea.

[Johnny81]

Found 2 dead frogs in my pond this morning I guess it hasn't been a kind Winter.

[Malcolm Banks]

Originally Posted by tom00_uk

dont forget the refractive properties of the air/ice water mix will alter the perceived size of the amphibian in question

I didn't
M

[Malcolm Banks]

I am grateful to Eeyore for starting a thread on the big thaw and the link to the PC Big Thaw survey (excellent site), but have continued here since ponds are about more than just dead amphibs.
I still haven't seen anything dead in my pond but it is lovely to see some of the creatures of the pond starting to reappear after the freeze/thaw. Today I saw a neotenous tadpole, 2 or 3 backswimmers, a couple of beetles (Acilius sulcatus and a Rhantus spp.) and plenty of snails. Most heartening of all though was an adult Smooth Newt, peeping it's head above the waterlily leaf.
I am assuming that it is most likely all these creatures would have survived in the mud/silt at the bottom of the pond during the freeze and have not arrived since the thaw? The pond is surrounded by lots of 5 star amphib friendly hibernation accommodation (undisturbed), so it's possible the newt has made the half metre journey to the pond? - I couldn't tell the sex.

I suspect the pond may be frozen again ere long, so they may all have to retreat to their subterranean shelters again before Spring has really sprung.
Frogs should be gathering soon, can't wait
M