The Herpetological Journal

pp.43-48

Authors: R. C. Beattie, R. J. Aston And A. G. P. Milner

Abstract: Limestone was added to two acidic ponds in upland, northern England in an attempt to improve the survival of embryos and larvae of the common frog (Rana temporaria L.). As expected, the addition of limestone to the ponds resulted in a significant increase in both the pH and the dissolved calcium concentration of the pond water. Fertilization success of common frog eggs was approximately 87% in acidic water and increased to I 00% following liming. Embryonic survival in the two acidic ponds increased from 0% and 22% to 69% and 93% respectively following liming. A year after liming, embryonic survival in one pond had decreased significantly from 93% to 79%. It was estimated that at least 2. 1 % of the eggs deposited in a limed pond gave rise to metamorphs. The environmental implications of liming acidic frog breeding ponds are discussed.