The common toad (Bufo bufo) has declined by 68% in the UK over the past 30 yearsâone of the most dramatic declines of any common British wildlife species. Understanding the causes of this decline and the interventions that help individual toads and populations is increasingly urgent for welfare and conservation.
Common toads undertake mass migrations to traditional breeding ponds in early spring, often crossing roads that now fragment their landscape. Road mortality during these migrations can kill thousands of toads at single crossing points in a single night. Toad Patrolâoperated by over 500 volunteer groups across the UKâcarries individual toads across roads in buckets during the migration period, preventing road mortality at identified crossing hotspots. Some crossings use temporary toad tunnels or road closures during peak migration.
Loss of suitable breeding pondsâthrough infilling, agricultural drainage, shading, and water quality degradationâremoves breeding habitat. Toads are also sensitive to changes in surrounding terrestrial habitat, requiring rough grassland, woodland edges, and undisturbed areas for daytime shelter and winter hibernation.
Ranavirus causes periodic die-offs at toad breeding sites. The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is present in the UK but has not caused the catastrophic amphibian collapses seen elsewhere. Biosecurity at amphibian survey sites (cleaning boots and equipment) prevents pathogen spread.
Joining local Toad Patrol groups, creating and maintaining garden ponds, avoiding pesticide use, and maintaining rough ground and log piles as terrestrial habitat all directly support toad welfare. Toads eat significant quantities of slugs and other garden invertebratesâmaking them excellent garden allies.
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