The annual toad diaspora has begun. It is a part of the cycle of life here on the compound. Each January and February both toads and frogs gather in the pond for reproduction. They turn up, shag like loonies, and are gone in less than a fortnight.

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The top count walking around the pond has been something in excess of 100 individuals. There are more toads than frogs. There are more amphibians which I cannot see from the bank. At a conversion rate of 10 legged new born individuals per toad that means ~1000 micro-toads to migrate away in search of their own territory. It could be ten or a hundred times more. I assume they have a migratory diaspora which radiates outwards from the pond centre.

They are small enough to get through the ventilation gaps in the double glazed window-doors. Whenever it rains the little blighters are on the move. The total of toad humane removal events so far is around ten. We have to beat the cat. If you don’t save them, they desiccate. Generally the migration tails off towards the end of September. It depends upon the rain.

Now we are on toad watch….