• Common Frog

    Rana temporaria

Facts

The common frog, a familiar amphibian in gardens and ponds across the UK, can be identified by its smooth, moist skin, typically in shades of green or brown with darker markings. Unlike the toad, the frog has longer legs that enable it to make impressive jumps and swim swiftly. An essential part of the ecosystem, frogs help control insect populations, which benefits both gardens and natural environments. They are also key indicator species, as they’re highly sensitive to changes in water quality and environmental health.

Length: 7-12 cm

Weight: Up to 25g

Diet: Carnivorous, consuming insects, spiders, slugs, worms, and occasionally small fish

Average Lifespan: Up to 12 years

When to See Them: Primarily from March to October

UK Conservation Status: Common but declining

Behaviour

Each spring, common frogs migrate to their breeding ponds, often returning to the same location each year. Females lay clumps of up to 4,000 eggs in shallow waters, where the eggs develop into tadpoles and eventually grow into frogs. Throughout the rest of the year, frogs can be found in gardens, meadows, and hedgerows, typically hiding under logs, stones, and other damp, shaded areas during the day and becoming more active at dusk. As juveniles and adults, frogs can absorb moisture through their skin, enabling them to remain hydrated while hunting for prey.

Frogs overwinter under leaves, in mud, or even in garden ponds to protect themselves from frost. However, habitat loss has reduced many natural wintering and breeding grounds, impacting local populations. Although they are not venomous, the frog’s skin can secrete mild toxins, deterring certain predators.



Their Threats

Common frogs face multiple threats in the UK, leading to a notable population decline:

Habitat Loss: The reduction of ponds and wetlands due to urbanization and agricultural expansion is a significant factor in frog population declines.

Pollution: Pesticides and chemical runoff harm water quality, impacting both frogs and their aquatic prey.

Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns can affect breeding cycles and reduce suitable pond conditions.

Disease: The fungal disease chytridiomycosis is a growing threat to amphibians worldwide, including the common frog.




How You Can Help

Supporting frog populations is simple, with small changes making a big difference:

  • Build a Pond: Creating a small pond in your garden provides frogs with a breeding site and safe habitat.
  • Avoid Chemicals: Reducing pesticide use prevents toxic runoff from contaminating ponds and other habitats.
  • Provide Shelter: Log piles, leaf litter, and shaded areas offer hiding spots for frogs.
  • Join a Local Amphibian Group: Participate in efforts to conserve and monitor local frog populations.

Frequently Asked Common Frog Questions

Frogs are beneficial for gardens, helping to control insect pests. You can encourage their presence by maintaining a chemical-free environment and providing hiding spots like logs and stones.

Place the frog in a well-ventilated container lined with damp paper towels. Contact a local wildlife rescue center for further advice, as they are equipped to care for injured amphibians. Our emergency helpline is 01372 360404.

Frogs primarily feed on insects, worms, and other invertebrates, posing no threat to fish in garden ponds.

Frogs have smooth, moist skin and long legs for jumping, while toads have drier, warty skin and shorter legs suited for crawling.

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