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Natterjack Toad

©Philip Precey

Natterjack toad

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Scientific name: Epidalea calamita
The rare natterjack toad is found at just a few coastal locations, where it prefers shallow pools on sand dunes, heaths and marshes.

Top facts

Stats

Length: 6-8cm
Weight: 4-19g
Average lifespan: 10-15 years

Conservation status

Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Listed as a European Protected Species under Annex IV of the European Habitats Directive.

When to see

March to September

About

Smaller than the common toad, the natterjack toad is very rare. This amphibian breeds in warm, shallow pools on sand dunes and sandy heaths in just a handful of special places in England and Scotland; sadly, just one or two colonies now remain in south east England and east anglia. Natterjack toads are mainly nocturnal; in the spring, the males all sing together at night to attract females and their calls can be heard up to a mile away!

What to look for

The natterjack toad is more olive-green in colour than the common toad, and has a distinguishing yellow stripe running down its back. It tends to run instead of walking or hopping, giving it the name the 'Running toad'. It lays its spawn in long strings, with just one row of eggs per string.

Where to find

A rare toad, only found at a handful of sites in southeast England, northwest England, East Anglia, North Wales and parts of Scotland.

Habitats

Did you know?

Natterjack toads lay their spawn in 1-2m strings in temporary, shallow ponds, warmed by the sun. One clutch can contain up to 7,500 eggs! It takes just six to eight weeks for young natterjack toadlets to develop from the spawn.