Some landowners may want to introduce plants to the pond site, although this may not be necessary since many come up on their own. This can be of little concern in a pond being managed for amphibians and reptiles. If you want turtles in your pond, you could furnish several logs for basking. Most of our smaller species of turtles have a biological need for sunning out of the water. If you place several small brush piles at the water's edge and on the bank, bullfrogs and other frogs, as well as harmless water snakes, will use them.
Turtles eat a wide variety of aquatic plants, as well as dead animals and some fish.
It is surprising how many Missouri amphibians and reptiles will benefit from one or more ponds constructed on your property. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of the Missouri Dept. of Conservation is prohibited.