Natterjack toad (Bufo calamita)
Bio
The smaller of the two toads found in the UK, the natterjack toad is very rare. They have a bold yellow line down their back and are normally shades of olive and grey. The natterjack breeds in shallow pools in sand dunes and sandy heaths in select locations in the south east England, north west England, north Wales and parts of Scotland. A string of natterjack spawn can be up to 2m long with a clutch contain in excess of 7,500 eggs! They are mainly nocturnal, in the spring the makes all sing together at night in an attempt to attract a female mate, these calls can be heard from up to a mile away!
Species Information
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 as they hibernate for the rest of the year.