Wildlife

Wild Natterjack Toad Conservation Welfare

Natterjack toads are the UK's rarest amphibian, restricted to coastal dune and heath systems. Conservation management is critical to their survival.

Key Facts

The UK has approximately 60 natterjack toad colonies, mainly on the north-west coast
Natterjacks need shallow, warm, temporary pools for breeding
Habitat succession reduces breeding pool quality over time without management
Natterjacks are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Management includes pool creation, scrub clearance, and translocation

Welfare Considerations

Natterjack toads subjected to desiccation from habitat loss, or trapped by unsuitable roads during migration, experience significant welfare harm. Breeding failure when pools dry before tadpoles metamorphose causes mass mortality. Conservation management that maintains suitable breeding habitat and prevents road mortality protects individual welfare and population viability.

What You Can Do

Support Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust natterjack conservation
Record natterjack sightings to national monitoring schemes
Avoid disturbing natterjack breeding pools at night during the calling season