no frogs - Ask Extension
Charles County, MD - For the past 17 years I have lived in a rural, wooded area, with a creek closeby. During Spring and Summer, we have always deligh...
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no frogs #872063
Asked June 07, 2024, 12:55 PM EDT
Charles County, MD - For the past 17 years I have lived in a rural, wooded area, with a creek closeby. During Spring and Summer, we have always delighted in hearing frogs, peepers, toads. We keep a sticky note on the door to "watch out for frogs" so we won't inadvertently step on them when going out after dark. Concerned because there are no peepers, no frogs this spring, no singing, croaking, pretty much nothing. Have seen a couple of little ones but nothing like in the past. Two things for consideration, a portion of the the Eastern gas transmission line runs behind the property and a small residential development is being built nearby, some homes close to the creek. Just curious if the gas line or building operations might have done something to cause the loss of frogs this year? What other things might have caused this to happen? Your thoughts? If you think gas line or building activities might be the cause, can you direct me to the appropriate folks to contact to get specifics on the gas line and building operations that may have contributed to the decline in the frog community?
Thank you
Louise
Charles County Maryland
Expert Response
Hello Louise,
Habitat loss or degradation from construction and development is a common cause of wildlife population changes, and would be a prime suspect to us. Last year's prolonged drought (for most of the state, at least) could also have played a role, reducing breeding habitat for moisture-dependent amphibians like frogs and toads. We can't rule-out a leaking gas line, but don't think that is a likely cause for this situation. Outside of the utility or developer themselves, we don't know who you could contact about building operations. Unfortunately, this topic is outside of the realm of our expertise.
However, you could inquire with wildlife biologists at the MD Department of Natural Resources. An email can be sent to <personal data hidden> (especially if you wanted to share photos, about this or other concerns) or, if you would like to speak to someone, they have a Wildlife and Heritage Service phone number at<personal data hidden>. The phone line should be staffed during regular business hours, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, except state holidays and weekends.
If you think any construction activity has not adequately contained any soil runoff, in case that is carrying pollutants or adding sediment to nearby waterways, you may be able to inquire with the local soil conservation district office to ask about enforcement of any applicable laws pertaining to stormwater management and mitigating runoff.
With high sensitivity to pollutants and contaminants in their environment (they absorb much through their skin), amphibians worldwide are also vulnerable to infectious diseases that are sometimes accidentally introduced into natural areas by human visitation or activity. One example among frogs and toads is "chytrid" fungus (chytridiomycosis), though we do not know how prevalent it may or may not be in our region in particular. (The DNR may know.) Another example among cave bats is "white nose syndrome," a fungal disease that may kill an infected bat.
Hopefully this is a temporary population decline, and perhaps once the development is finished, public or private landowners in that area can be encouraged to install rain gardens to capture and filter stormwater runoff, native plant and pollinator gardens, or other measures to help restore ecosystem support to the damaged area.
Miri
Habitat loss or degradation from construction and development is a common cause of wildlife population changes, and would be a prime suspect to us. Last year's prolonged drought (for most of the state, at least) could also have played a role, reducing breeding habitat for moisture-dependent amphibians like frogs and toads. We can't rule-out a leaking gas line, but don't think that is a likely cause for this situation. Outside of the utility or developer themselves, we don't know who you could contact about building operations. Unfortunately, this topic is outside of the realm of our expertise.
However, you could inquire with wildlife biologists at the MD Department of Natural Resources. An email can be sent to <personal data hidden> (especially if you wanted to share photos, about this or other concerns) or, if you would like to speak to someone, they have a Wildlife and Heritage Service phone number at<personal data hidden>. The phone line should be staffed during regular business hours, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, except state holidays and weekends.
If you think any construction activity has not adequately contained any soil runoff, in case that is carrying pollutants or adding sediment to nearby waterways, you may be able to inquire with the local soil conservation district office to ask about enforcement of any applicable laws pertaining to stormwater management and mitigating runoff.
With high sensitivity to pollutants and contaminants in their environment (they absorb much through their skin), amphibians worldwide are also vulnerable to infectious diseases that are sometimes accidentally introduced into natural areas by human visitation or activity. One example among frogs and toads is "chytrid" fungus (chytridiomycosis), though we do not know how prevalent it may or may not be in our region in particular. (The DNR may know.) Another example among cave bats is "white nose syndrome," a fungal disease that may kill an infected bat.
Hopefully this is a temporary population decline, and perhaps once the development is finished, public or private landowners in that area can be encouraged to install rain gardens to capture and filter stormwater runoff, native plant and pollinator gardens, or other measures to help restore ecosystem support to the damaged area.
Miri
