If you take a look at our natural ecosystem, you'd notice that every animal has a role. Yes, even that adorable sleepyhead doggy down in your living room contributes something to the ecosystem. Hard to believe, isn't it? But that's how our planet functions.
Even a single missing element or creature or vegetation can affect the balance of the entire ecosystem.
So, when it comes to replicating the natural ecosystem in a controlled environment, you need to have all the pieces in place to make a successful man-made ecosystem.
That's why so many people find it difficult to create the model pond ecosystem. But little do people know that a simple addition can help you strike that perfect balance you need.
Amphibians!
These weird yet wonderful creatures can survive both in water and on land, and have everything it takes to make your garden pond habitable.
But before we discuss the importance of amphibians in a pond ecosystem, let's take a look at the basics.
What's a pond ecosystem?
Making your personal garden pond is already a huge accomplishment. But if you need an even bigger challenge, here's good news for you. Building a pond ecosystem requires some serious elbow grease. So, you may have just found your next garden project.
- Importance of a pond ecosystem
It's a controversial subject that's much-debated, but we're in complete favor of creating a good pond ecosystem. Due to man's exploitation of resources, countless studies have observed a rapid decline in the diversity of the flora and fauna on our planet. So, there's an urgent need to protect and preserve biodiversity.
A pond ecosystem provides you with the perfect opportunity to do just that. It helps you promote better habitats for plants, aquatic animals, and live culture among more.
- What makes a pond ecosystem
Simply put, a pond ecosystem should be a heterogeneous mixture of organisms that have a separate community of their own. The combination of the chosen organisms is such that it allows each one of them to make their contribution and live in a self-sufficient ecology.
How amphibians contribute to your pond
Inviting amphibians to your pond ecosystem is easily one of the wisest decisions you can make as the creator of this distinct ecology. They help the pond ecosystem in more than one way. Here's how amphibians can light up your 'pond' like nobody else.
- Natural pest controller
Not all heroes wear a cape. Some look freakish but are actually awesome.
Amphibians such as toads, frogs, salamanders, etc. exist to keep the environment free of insects and pests.
They feed on pesky creatures that disrupt the harmony of your pond ecosystem and harm the animals and foliage within the territory.
Consider them as crisis managers or damage controllers. They are so useful that they literally make the pond habitable for their fellow organisms.
- They are top-down predators
Amphibians are at the top level in the food chain within a pond ecosystem. So, they help you with troublesome mosquitoes, which we can all agree, are the embodiment of evil, bad bacteria, and unnecessary algae formation.
They're so resourceful that their presence allows other organisms to breed and exist in peace. For this reason, researchers use the population of amphibians as a yardstick to determine the health of your pond. The more the merrier.
In just a few flicks of their tongues, amphibians can clear the entire water body. They work like a filter and keep your pond ecosystem in top-notch shape.
Organizing your pond ecosystem in favor of the amphibians
Before inviting amphibians to your pond, ensure that you've made proper arrangements. One of the most important things you need to do is separate the amphibians and fish.
Fish usually prey on the offsprings and eggs laid by amphibians. As a result, most amphibians are killed before they get on duty. And this is probably the most concerning part about having co-existing predatory organisms in a compact space.
To prevent your fish from going on a murder spree, make arrangements to contain the offsprings and eggs in a separate area away from the pond fish. To further avoid the accumulation of the amphibians in one place, create a few safe zones for them within the pond ecosystem without the interference from the fish, so they can live longer.
Additionally, don't overpopulate the pond with amphibians. Numerous studies have concluded that the overpopulation of amphibians in small spaces can increase a sense of competition among them. This can promote cannibalism - another perfect way to get rid of an entire über useful community in a jiffy.
Ways to attract amphibians
Amphibians thrive in wetlands. And because they love to reproduce, amphibians also demand a comforting space for breeding. If you can give them a moist environment with plenty of food, they'll not only migrate into your pond but also permanently stay there. Here's how you can attract them to your pond ecosystem.
- Use low lighting
Pond lights are usually used as a landscaping accent. But did you know that you could also utilize them as an amphibian magnet? Low lights are one of the best artificial instruments to attract amphibians. Light pollution may be an under-discussed topic when it comes to amphibians' habitat preferences, but you can't question the ill-effects it has on these organisms.
Use underwater, submergible pond lights to let the amphibians around you know you're open for business. Check out our practical yet stylish collection of pond lights to get equip your pond ecosystem with a good one.
- Choose the right vegetation to create a better habitat
Amphibians are quite particular about what they eat. So, they can't be charmed by newly established habitats that don't possess the complexity of the natural wetlands.
Start by introducing algae to your pond ecosystem. For amphibians, algae are the definition of home. And when combined with decomposed plants, they're the ideal source of sustenance for them.
When the decomposed matter settles down, it forms the perfect place for breeding and helps maintain the moisture levels desired by amphibians.
Plants like lilies and shrubs allow amphibians to feel at home and help create a successful pond ecosystem for your garden.
Feeling all set? Start building your own pond ecosystem using high-quality and durable pond supplies and choose from our wide array of decorative and functional accessories to complete your garden project.