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There are around 2600 different species of frogs worldwide. The lifespan and thus the age of the frogs varies from species to species. The average life expectancy is 10 years. There are species that grow older or die younger.

In a nutshell

  • Different lifespans of frogs in captivity and in the wild
  • average life expectancy of 10 years
  • threat from predators
  • many frogs die in road traffic

free range or captivity

There are large differences in the age of frogs in the wild and in captivity. The life expectancy of frogs in captivity is significantly higher because they are not in danger of being killed by predators, for example.

In captivity, it cannot be ruled out that a frog dies early, the life expectancy of some species is 20 - 25 years. Tree frogs can easily live up to 25 years in captivity. The natterjack toad grows even older in a protected environment and can live up to 33 years.

Notice: Frogs and toads are partially protected in Germany and fully protected in some federal states. The animals may therefore not be caught for private keeping.

The average life expectancy in the wild is therefore significantly lower. In the most favorable case, the tree frog can live for four to six years. Rarely does he reach the age of twelve. This is usually only the case with specimens that live in a protected area, such as in nature reserves.

Average life expectancy of common species

Below is an overview of the average life expectancy of frogs and some common toads living in Germany.

  • Tree frog: 4 - 6 years
  • Common frog: 3 - 12 years
  • Moor Frog: 10 - 12 years
  • Agile frog: 8 - 10 years
  • Edible frog: 6 - 8 years
  • Marsh frog: 6 - 7 years
Tree frog (Hyla arborea)

Death by predators

One factor that limits the lifespan of frogs and toads in the wild is the variety of predators they have. Depending on the biotope in which the amphibians live, different enemies lurk in the water and on land.

The most common predators of frogs include:

  • Snakes (mainly grass snakes and adders)
  • Hedgehog
  • Birds (storks, kingfisher)
  • foxes
  • marten
  • badgers
  • Polecats

Notice: As spawn or tadpoles, frogs are primarily threatened by the fish that eat them.

death by humans

In addition to natural predators, humans have become an increasing threat in recent years. A problem for frogs is the increasing loss of habitats. Small water points are being filled up, which means that they can no longer return to their spawning grounds.

A major problem, also during the spawning season, is road traffic. Many frogs have to cross roads to get to these places, which becomes a death trap for them. Conservationists are therefore installing fences along known routes where many amphibians cross, which the frogs cannot cross. They collect the frogs mainly at dusk or at night and then carry them across the street.

Frogs can cover a distance of around half a kilometer per day. In addition to the dangerous toad migrations to the spawning grounds, they also switch between summer and winter quarters, which can also be several kilometers apart.

frequently asked Questions

How are frogs kept in captivity?

Frogs need a special terrarium suitable for amphibians. Above all, the humidity plays a major role for frogs, as they can die if the humidity is too low. However, keeping frogs in a terrarium requires a lot of knowledge, which is why the animals are not suitable for beginners in terrarium keeping.

How can I encourage frogs in my garden?

A suitable habitat and food sources are important. Of course, it cannot be ruled out that predators of frogs will then also settle, but you can establish a stable population with a suitable habitat. Suitable spawning grounds such as small ponds that are supplied with fresh water are important for frogs.

Can you tell the age of a frog?

It is difficult for laypeople to determine how old a frog is. The body size is an indicator that can be used to roughly estimate how old a frog is. As a rule, however, specimens that have a conspicuous pattern are caught and marked in the wild. Every year, the spawning grounds are searched for again, and in this way it can be determined how old frogs live outdoors on average.

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Category:

Animals in the garden