At this time of year when you might be considering moving frog spawn between ponds, the KRAG Committee would like to remind members about potential problems with Chytrid fungus disease (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis). The status of this fungal disease and its affect on the wider population of amphibians throughout the UK is unknown.  It would therefore be wise to avoid moving spawn from site to site as it might be carrying Chytrid or other pathogens.

Please leave the spawn where you find it. Chytrid is especially difficult to control, if at all, and we do not want to be the reason for further spread of the disease within the UK unwittingly or otherwise.

Further information about Chytrid is available on the Herpetological Conservation Trust website.

Frogs are 'explosive' breeders and often produce what may appear to be 'too much' spawn.  Mortality rates of tadpoles and young frogs are especially high so do not worry about this.  Population levels of amphibians can fluctuate dramatically but this is normally just a natural process. 

Another reason for not moving spawn is that it is impossible to say with certainty whether the pond you move spawn to is actually suitable for frogs.  Fish, newts, other predators and environmental conditions can all contribute to frogs deciding not to spawn in a particular pond.  Let's respect their decision.