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Photo: English Nature |
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UK
Safari Tip:
For help identifying Natterjacks checkout the superbly illustrated ID
chart in the Nature Shop called "Reptiles
and Amphibians of Britain and Ireland" - click
here
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Latin name: Bufo calamita
Size: Approximately 60 to 70mms
Distribution: Rare in the UK. Found in parts of East Anglia, Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset, the Cumbria and Lancashire coast,
Strathclyde. Recently re-introduced to north
Wales.
Months seen: March to October
Food: Small insects
Habitat: Sand dunes, salt marshes and open, unshaded areas with sandy soils.
Special features: The natterjack toad can be distinguished from the
common toad by the bright yellow line running the length of its back. It's a
fast mover, preferring to run rather than hop or walk. Natterjacks have become
extremely rare in the UK due mainly to habitat loss.
Natterjack toads spawn from March to May. The spawn is produced in a single string, unlike
that of the common toad which is a double string.
The species is quite picky in where it spawns, which is why it is declining. It
needs shallow ponds for reproduction. These are often seasonal pools. They need
to be almost completely free of vegetation, with a pH of between 5 and 7. These
ponds also need to be free of predators such as dragonfly larvae, beetle larvae and
even common toads. Common toad tadpoles eat natterjack toad tadpoles.
During the winter natterjacks hibernate deep in sand.
NOTE: It is an offence to disturb Natterjack toads in any way.
What's an Amphibian?
How to Tell the Difference between a Frog and a Toad
UK Safari Amphibian Section
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