Common Frog

NFS

Original Painting Medium: Gouache
Scientific Name: Rama temporaria
Region: UK

The Common frog can be found throughout Britain and Ireland. It was a lovely challenge to try and capture the light and portray the detailed markings on my frog’s smooth skin, face, and long powerful legs. These amphibians are truly handsome critters.

Frogs favour damp habitats and breed in ponds, puddles, and lakes.  During the winter they will hibernate in the mud and vegetation in a pond, or on land: under rocks, logs, or in compost heaps.  During early spring, they emerge en masse and head to their favourite pond or water source to feed and breed.  They tend to be most active at night, and our garden is often very busy at this time of year with frogs and toads going about their affairs, and proclaiming their presence from our pond.

Sadly this is also when many frogs and toads lose their lives: as they attempt to cross busy main roads to get to their ancient breeding grounds. In times gone by these routes would have been old rough tracks and fields and posed no threat.

Once safely in the pond, there is great competition between the frogs to seek out a female.  Rafts of frogspawn can be seen on water surfaces during this time, each egg containing one tiny tadpole.  Each winter I venture out with my husband and we rescue the frogs and toads from the main road that passes through our village.  The frogs and toads travel from surrounding meadows and fields to two ponds within the village boundary, and sadly many are seriously injured and die due to the ever-increasing amount of traffic passing through.  If you wish to help in your own area please contact Froglife.