American Bull Frogs

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   This is a question really.  I am concerned that I may have a pond full of tadpoles belonging to this species.  I have regular visits from the much smaller common garden frog but I also have a compost heap which for many years has been home to hibernating frogs which are huge in comparison.  This species of frog has now spawned in my pond and the tadpoles are very large, black in colour, with a fluorescent sheen.  For what it is worth, my 'English frogs' don't seem to mind their larger cousins.  I also have newts in my pond and I would like to encourage them.  The question is this - is it likely that these bullfrogs could be breeding in the west midlands and is there any way of correctly identifying the tadpoles.  I would hate to kill them, but if it is felt that I must, I will.

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debshanks Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 02 Jun 2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1	Post Options Post Reply Quote debshanks Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: American Bull Frogs Posted: 02 Jun 2003 at 11:03am
	This is a question really. I am concerned that I may have a pond full of tadpoles belonging to this species. I have regular visits from the much smaller common garden frog but I also have a compost heap which for many years has been home to hibernating frogs which are huge in comparison. This species of frog has now spawned in my pond and the tadpoles are very large, black in colour, with a fluorescent sheen. For what it is worth, my 'English frogs' don't seem to mind their larger cousins. I also have newts in my pond and I would like to encourage them. The question is this - is it likely that these bullfrogs could be breeding in the west midlands and is there any way of correctly identifying the tadpoles. I would hate to kill them, but if it is felt that I must, I will.
	debshanks

administrator Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Status: Offline Points: 10	Post Options Post Reply Quote administrator Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02 Jun 2003 at 1:11pm
	Hi Debshanks, Firstly do the frogs that use your compost heap look like the ones on the bullfrog ID page at: http://www.gjscenics.co.uk/rauk/Bullfrog.htm The spawn of the bullfrog is a little different to english common frogs, it tends to spread out in a layer just one egg deep across the surface, whilst common frog spawn sits in clumps. ID of the tadpoles: brown, olive or black, often mottled and with distinct spots, tail tip is pointed, older individuals have ridges on their backs, giving a sort of wrinkled look. It is possilbe that they are from bullfrogs that have bred, though it's rare because our climate doesn't suit them well and it's not often individual released pets would meet. It is important that these tadpoles are correctly identified as the bullfrog has devestated native amphibian populations where it has become established in parts of Europe. It is possible that the tadpoles are those of the Common Toad http://www.gjscenics.co.uk/rauk/Common%20Toad.htm , these are also black, the spawn is laid in strings. Check through the ID pages to ensure that the ID of the large adult frogs is correct. If you are sure they are Bullfrogs, the adults and tadpoles will need to be examined by a specialist and removed. Contact for the West Midlands is: Paul Wilkinson, 86 Farrington Road, Ettingshall Park, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV4 6QH, 01902 820439. but check first with Froglife on 01986 873733 who will aslo need to be informed.