Common toad
15 March 2010
Though still widespread, the common toad has declined precipitously at some sites. Springtime counts of toads have decreased from thousands to tens, and at some sites the toads have disappeared. The south and east of England are the main areas of concern. Road traffic mortality, changes in pond management and disease are possible reasons for decline. Yet, many sites still support thriving toad populations.
(c) Jim Foster/Natural England
Latin name: Bufo bufo
Population numbers: precise national figures unknown, but a 2004 study noted recent declines in 50% of rural populations in eastern and southern England.
Where to see and when: Common toads breed in large ponds or lakes, including fishing lakes and reservoirs. They can be found across England, though are less abundant in the uplands and in heavily urbanised places. You can find toads from spring to autumn, most easily in the March-April breeding season. They are often seen crossing roads on their traditional migration routes from hibernation sites to breeding ponds.
What’s being done: Various organisations including Natural England are commissioning or doing research into the possible effects of disease on common toads. Studies on other possible decline factors are anticipated. Agri-environment schemes can pay for digging ponds to help toads. The Million Ponds Project
run by Pond Conservation is helping to create more toad breeding habitat. The national widespread amphibian survey, run by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC), is collecting data on toads. This will assess status nationally, and is open to any volunteers with a few days to spare in spring. Advice on how to make your garden better for toads has been produced by Natural England, ARC and others.
More information:
