HOW TO ATTRACT FROGS TO YOUR GARDEN

Photograph- Mains frog by Alice Buckle (LFW member)

Australia has at least 180 species of native frogs – more than Europe and North America combined – and more are still being found. Whilst people ‘down south’ do not normally associate frogs with trees, many native frog species need trees as an important habitat. Here is a list on frogwatch of Top End species and their sounds.

In wetlands, frogs are an important food source for water birds, snakes, fish and other animals. Therefore many frogs seek refuge in trees, particularly those near water. By day, frogs often hide for protection amongst green foliage or under loose bark, this also helps them conserve water in warm dry weather. A number of species hunt on trees for insects and other food. There are about 50 species of tree frogs, not all of them are green!

To welcome and attract frogs to your garden, a pond will be essential for the tadpoles. Tadpoles are herbivores and graze on algae. A well prepared pond can attract hundreds of creatures, many of them fascinating pond skaters, water spiders, backswimmers and of course, frogs. A terrific way to get an interesting pond started is by pouring in a couple of buckets of water from an established pond. Hopefully it will include food and maybe the beginnings of some insect life.

It is important to be aware of safety issues when you establish a pond in your garden, it may need to be fenced. Cane toads are on their way so be responsible and learn all you can about assisting our native frogs to survive.

Native water plants suitable for your pond include:

• Monocharia australasica
• Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus Lily)
• Nymphoides hydrocharoides (Yellow Snowflake Lily)
• Nymphoides indica (White Snowflake Lily)
• Nymphaea violacea (Water Lily)

Plants suitable for around your pond include:

• Pandanus spiralas and aquaticus
• Leptospermum maddidum (Weeping Ti-Tree)
• Melaleuca species