Page 2 of 2 The Frog And Toad.

Questions And Answers

IS IT SAFE TO PICK UP A FROG OR TOAD?

Yes, but in general they should be left alone and only handled when necessary. If possible wear thin rubber gloves or wet your hands first and hold them for as short a time as possible. Small ones can die from the heat of a human hand. Do not pick them up by the legs. Toads are placid creatures and can be picked up easily from underneath and held in the palm. Shew the same care as if you were picking up a pet hamster or gerbil. Toads exude a toxic secretion as a defence against predators but we have never heard of one doing this when picked up by a human. Adults sometimes release water (not urine) which can be disconcerting but is harmless. Frogs are much more nervous and their only defence is to hop. They are difficult to hold but try and cup them in the palm of your hand and put the other palm over it. Do not handle dead toads or frogs except with gloves or the end of a stick. Always wash your hands after handling amphibia – or any animal.

WHAT ABOUT THE DRAINS?

Drains harbour a very unhealthy environment and under no circumstances should drain covers be lifted. If you do see frogs or toads in a drain and they are having to constantly swim, then drop a small piece of wood or polystyrene through the grill to act as a float on the water.Toads are not good swimmers and will drown if they cannot find somewhere to rest. CONT:-

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After a while the animals should make their own way out of the drain through the interconnecting side pipes.

WHY ARE PONDS SPECIAL?

In general, ponds are small landscape features of importance to wildlife. They can create a distinctive interdependent wetland area of considerable variety and richness. Ponds are often associated with other types of semi-natural habitats including scrub, semi-natural grassland and marsh. Ponds are vital for the survival of all our native amphibian species – it is where they breed.

WHY IS SAXON GATE SPECIAL?

The existing housing development at Saxon Gate was built close to an Anglo Saxon village. Before building work started archaeologists worked on much of the area. A Saxon burial ground near the balancing pond was turned into a small woodland and public walkway. A village well was also discovered and later filled in. A small pond existed long before the larger balancing pond was dug in 1993. The balancing pond itself plays host to an established amphibian population and is uniquely successful as a wildlife breeding site. Other ponds have failed to produce froglets and toadlets despite there being huge amounts of spawn. The area of Saxon Gate provides an excellent wildlife habitat with a unique collection of plants and animals.